Easy Pesto Sauce – a healthier version of the traditional Italian recipe

pesto served in a small jar

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Also note: While I am a certified nutrition coach, I am not a medical doctor. Information here is not intended to be a replacement for the advice you should seek from your doctor.

I’m sure that you are all familiar with this fantastic Italian sauce! Today, I would like to show you that Pesto doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to make! On the contrary, with my Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe, you will learn to make a delicious homemade sauce and save money. In addition, it is healthier than most storebought pesto sauces, which generally contain lots of additives and preservatives.

This Easy Pesto Sauce is rich in healthy fats and nutrients, extremely tasty, and only takes 10 minutes to make! And it is so versatile as well! You can for example enjoy it with pasta, chicken, rice, and buddha bowls, or with my Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Pesto Sauce Over Spaghetti Squash.

In addition, unlike the traditional recipe which contains hard cheese, this recipe is dairy-free and vegan! Most pesto includes also pine nuts or other types of nuts, but I chose to do mine completely nut-free. In this way, it is completely allergy-free, including gluten-free.


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Ingredient Selection Tips

Olive Oil

My advice is to always look for extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil in glass black bottles, which ensure the good conservation of the product. In addition, oils from different countries have different tastes, so find the one you like the most!

Basil Puree

Although I prefer fresh basil herbs from my garden or pot, sometimes there are not enough leaves for making a sauce. In that case, a basil puree is a good option. You can also make the puree yourself, and freeze it for later.

Noteworthy Health Benefits

Garlic

Garlic is an extremely nutritious plant. It is rich in manganese, Vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium. Besides, it is very low in calories and has numerous health benefits. Among them, it can help reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and may even help prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

And this is not all. Garlic may also improve bone health and studies show that it can prevent some types of cancer.

Basil

The best variety of basil for this recipe is sweet basil, but Greek basil can work as well. Basil contains several minerals and vitamins like vitamin K, manganese, and vitamin A. It is then rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce oxidative stress and have an anti-aging effect on the body.

In addition, adding basil to your dishes may help support liver health, reduce high blood pressure and even boost mental health.

Thanks to healthline.com and madicalnewstoday.com for comprehensive information.

pesto served in a small jar

Pesto Sauce

Caitlin Havener
This Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe, you will learn to make a delicious homemade sauce and save money. In addition, it is healthier than most storebought pesto sauces, which generally contain lots of additives and preservatives. This recipe is also high in healthy fats, extremely tasty, and versatile!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 224 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Pesto Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
224
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
12
g
Sodium
 
89
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
1230
mg
35
%
Carbohydrates
 
16
g
5
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword easy pesto, healthy pasta sauce, healthy pesto, italian pesto recipe, pesto sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

1 thought on “Easy Pesto Sauce – a healthier version of the traditional Italian recipe”

  1. Pingback: Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta - Clean Cooking with Caitlin

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