Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto (without nuts)

Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto is perfect for so many recipes! Leaving out the pine nuts does not reduce the flavor of this basil pesto, it just reduces calories! woohoo! This is a healthy pesto recipe that can make so many recipes from basil pesto pasta, pesto zoodles to my very popular Healthy Tuscan Bean Salad! A low-fat basil pesto because I make this without pignoli nuts. It’s a perfect way to add flavor to so many meals and appetizers, without adding extra calories!

My garden is blooming and one of my favorite herbs is basil! I love basil because I can grow it year round. Basil is so versatile and I love that I can make a healthy pesto recipe using basil without using pine nuts. I have a low-fat pesto that makes amazing pesto pasta, chicken pesto, shrimp pesto….endless possibilities.

Skinny Basil Pesto is so much better than any store-bought pesto recipe loaded with preservatives.  Being homemade, this is a healthy pesto recipe using clean ingredients and to keep calories lower, this is a nut-free pesto that everyone enjoys and perfect for those with a nut allergy.

Some other recipes you may want to add this homemade skinny basil pesto into would be Eggplant Caprese Salad or Mediterranean Veggie Flatbread Pizza

How much pesto do you put on pasta?

On one pound of pasta, I start with 1/2 cup. Check for seasoning and depends what else I am adding to the pasta.

Can you freeze fresh Healthy Basil Pesto?

Yes. To freeze, put 2 Tablespoons of the pesto into each bucket of an ice cube tray and then once frozen, place each cube into a freezer bags. Basil Pesto can be kept in the freezer for about 3 months.

How long can Healthy Basil Pesto be kept in the fridge?

Low-fat basil pesto can keep in the fridge, well covered for about 4-5 days. Basil Pesto can be kept in the freezer for about 3 months well wrapped.

How can Basil Pesto be used in other recipes?

Skinny Basil Pesto is amazing on shrimp, chicken, pasta, and veggies. Some other recipes you may want to add this homemade skinny basil pesto into would be Eggplant Caprese Salad or Mediterranean Veggie Flatbread Pizza, 

What are the origins of basil pesto?

Pesto originated in the Liguria region of Northern Italy. I have read that basil was abundant in India and brought to Italy where it also abundantly grew.

How to Make  Skinny Basil Pesto without pine nuts:

• Place fresh basil in the food processor.

• Add the Pecorino Romano, garlic cloves, pepper, and salt. Blend well.

• Process the food processor to blend the basil leaves and other ingredients, about 1 minute.

• Homemade skinny basil pesto is a great hostess gift. Also serve on fish, poultry, pasta, veggies, pizza. I can keep going with the possibilities.

When you make Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto or add it to any recipes, take a pic and tag me on Instagram @everyday_eileen or #everydayeileen. We love seeing your recipes and I try to repost the pics.

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Skinny Basil Pesto

Skinny Basil Pesto is perfect over pasta or added into many dishes including frittatas, chicken, and shrimp. A perfect addition to any veggie dish. This easy low-calorie pesto is nut-free and freezes really well!

Course Sauce, Vegetarian

Cuisine Italian, Vegetarian

Keyword sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 86 kcal

Author Eileen

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed basil leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt, to taste to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, Pecorino Romano cheese, and garlic.  Pulse until coarsely chopped.

2. While running food processor on low, slowly add olive oil until mixture is well blended. Check the pesto mixture after adding the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Depending on how well you packed your basil, you may need a bit more olive oil, no more than 1/3 of a cup of olive oil.

3. Season with the pepper and salt, to taste.

4. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Recipe Notes

• Use right away or freeze in ice cube trays. 2 Tablespoons in each cube. Once frozen, place in freezer bags and use as needed. I use within 3 months.
• The basil pesto keeps in the fridge, well covered for about 3-4days.
• any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition Facts

Skinny Basil Pesto

Amount Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)

Calories 86 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Cholesterol 6mg 2%

Sodium 75mg 3%

Potassium 23mg 1%

Total Carbohydrates 0g 0%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 0g

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 6.8%

Vitamin C 1.6%

Calcium 7.8%

Iron 1.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe was originally published in October 2016. I have tweaked the recipe and updated the article posted today.

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