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    Home » Recipes » Lighter Basil Pesto

    Lighter Basil Pesto

    Published: Apr 8, 2013 · Modified: Aug 13, 2021 by Linda Baker · This post may contain affiliate links

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    This recipe for a Lighter Basil Pesto only lacks in fat and calories, but not in flavor.

    Pesto

    The making of Lighter Basil Pesto

    Pesto is so versatile. Toss it with some pasta, use it to dress fresh steamed green beans, put it on top of meat, fish, chicken. It simply adds so much freshness. There is no reason at all to buy pre-made pesto which has a tendency to taste "old" and oily when it is so simple to make it yourself in your food processor. 5 minutes, that's all it takes.

    Making your own pesto is so easy during the summer months when fresh basil grows readily in the garden. Well, I say readily but over the years I've had little luck getting that "hedge" of basil to grow. BUT there is always some potted basil or a big box of fresh basil available at most all grocery stores or farmer's markets during the spring and summer. 

    Pesto also freezes well, so if you have any leftover simply pop some into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, remove the cubes and keep it in the freezer in a zip-top bag. Defrost and use as needed.

    Your average store-bought pesto or pesto recipe runs about 230 calories PER tablespoon. This Lighter Basil Pesto, that is, lighter in calories, not in flavor; using fewer pine nuts and less oil is about 132 calories PER 2 (that's two) tablespoons. 

    Another good reason to "make it yourself"!

    Lighter Basil Pesto
    Pesto

    Lighter Basil Pesto

    LindySez
     This recipe for a Lighter Basil Pesto only lacks in fat and calories, but not in flavor.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Sauces, Dressings & Condiments
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 cup
    Calories 132 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
    • 3 large garlic cloves peeled
    • 2 ¾ cups loosely packed basil leaves; washed and well dried
    • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • With the motor running; drop the pine nuts and garlic through the food chute of a food processor; process until minced, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary. Stop the machine; add the basil, cheese, and lemon juice; process until finely minced; using on/off pulses. With the motor on, slowly pour the olive oil through the food chute and process until well blended. Makes about ½ cup.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gSodium: 48mgCholesterol: 2mgCalories: 132kcalPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gFat: 13gProtein: 2gCarbohydrates: 2g
    Keyword basil pesto low-fat, easy fresh pesto low-fat, less calorie pesto
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Lindy.

    I am a home-trained chef who loves to cook and eat delicious food. As I like to say, "Life is too short to eat mediocre food". And I find too much food out there is mediocre. I don't think good food needs to be fussy, or difficult to prepare. Most of my recipes are fresh, quick, easy, and tasty while keeping both calories and fats in check. 

    More about me →

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