Green pesto

CatAMcC

Does anyone use or know of low calorie ones - or what is the lowest you know? I appreciate it won't be really low but like to know what others have found.

Ive tried Asda less fat one when doing SWorld but my tongue stung with it!

Really love my pesto and pasta and havnt had it in a long time and trying to find a way to keep it as low as possible next time I would make it.

When I needed a pick me up thats what I used to cook.

a_mandolin_

You can make your own, basil, parsley, pine nuts, olive oil, romano, salt and pepper. The olive oil and cheese and nuts will be your calorie culprits.

I get grossed out at oily textures so I use only half the oil, and do a 50/50 mix of lemon juice and veggie broth to make up for the rest of the liquid.

You could also use a little less pine nuts to save on some cals.

CatAMcC

Ive tried making on own and was disaster! Maybe try again :-)

whizzlers

Sainsburys have a reduced one and I cant taste any difference I love pesto too - it goes with anything xx

JesterMFP

I find it hard to find decent pesto full stop in British supermarkets. So many of them seem to have added potato flakes for some reason. Anyway, to be honest, I would just have the full fat version by choice. How much of it are you eating? Maybe it's just me, but for the amount I would use on pasta, the extra calories in the non-diet version isn't really that significant. If your tongue's stinging with it then definitely avoid that one! Why not just eat the version you really enjoy, and fit it into your calories?

mazdauk

I just use regular Sacla but make sure I don't use too much.

CatAMcC

I find it hard to find decent pesto full stop in British supermarkets. So many of them seem to have added potato flakes for some reason. Anyway, to be honest, I would just have the full fat version by choice. How much of it are you eating? Maybe it's just me, but for the amount I would use on pasta, the extra calories in the non-diet version isn't really that significant. If your tongue's stinging with it then definitely avoid that one! Why not just eat the version you really enjoy, and fit it into your calories?

Because I realised it was quite high in calories and since being super healthy I want to find healthy alternatives. If i can't then I will have the normal stuff but I feel an easy compromise is finding nice healtheir options if possible. I like it quite strong and once open a jar its excuse to use it several times in short period as cooking for one.

JesterMFP

I find it hard to find decent pesto full stop in British supermarkets. So many of them seem to have added potato flakes for some reason. Anyway, to be honest, I would just have the full fat version by choice. How much of it are you eating? Maybe it's just me, but for the amount I would use on pasta, the extra calories in the non-diet version isn't really that significant. If your tongue's stinging with it then definitely avoid that one! Why not just eat the version you really enjoy, and fit it into your calories?

Because I realised it was quite high in calories and since being super healthy I want to find healthy alternatives. If i can't then I will have the normal stuff but I feel an easy compromise is finding nice healtheir options if possible. I like it quite strong and once open a jar its excuse to use it several times in short period as cooking for one.

What do you count as "healthy"? Just lower in calories? Reduced calorie foods are not necessarily better for you.

I do understand about feeling you need to use it up though, I'm the same.

russellbrand69

I find it hard to find decent pesto full stop in British supermarkets. So many of them seem to have added potato flakes for some reason. Anyway, to be honest, I would just have the full fat version by choice. How much of it are you eating? Maybe it's just me, but for the amount I would use on pasta, the extra calories in the non-diet version isn't really that significant. If your tongue's stinging with it then definitely avoid that one! Why not just eat the version you really enjoy, and fit it into your calories?

You're right - most supermarket pesto is horrible.
This one in Tesco is great though - Tesco Finest Pesto, it's in the fridge aisle: http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=267023345
I just use a little bit, the flavour's so good that's all you need. It says a 300 calorie serving size is half the pot, but I don't use anything like that much

jharb2

I make my own, w/ basil,walnuts,cheese oilice oil and garlic . Then I portion it out in ice cube trays and freeze. I take out just a TB and have with chicken, salmon or bread. Its 75 calories a TB. I could totally eat the whole thing but I eat it frequently enough that I don't feel deprived. Its about portions-don't deny yourself something you love

CatAMcC

I find it hard to find decent pesto full stop in British supermarkets. So many of them seem to have added potato flakes for some reason. Anyway, to be honest, I would just have the full fat version by choice. How much of it are you eating? Maybe it's just me, but for the amount I would use on pasta, the extra calories in the non-diet version isn't really that significant. If your tongue's stinging with it then definitely avoid that one! Why not just eat the version you really enjoy, and fit it into your calories?

Because I realised it was quite high in calories and since being super healthy I want to find healthy alternatives. If i can't then I will have the normal stuff but I feel an easy compromise is finding nice healtheir options if possible. I like it quite strong and once open a jar its excuse to use it several times in short period as cooking for one.

What do you count as "healthy"? Just lower in calories? Reduced calorie foods are not necessarily better for you.

I do understand about feeling you need to use it up though, I'm the same.

Anything thats just less than the sacla and normal brands in tesco etc.

CatAMcC

I make my own, w/ basil,walnuts,cheese oilice oil and garlic . Then I portion it out in ice cube trays and freeze. I take out just a TB and have with chicken, salmon or bread. Its 75 calories a TB. I could totally eat the whole thing but I eat it frequently enough that I don't feel deprived. Its about portions-don't deny yourself something you love

unusual way! must try for defs. You defrost the cube or throw it in pan when cooking?

lorcart

Premade ones=blech! Making your own is the way to go!

CatAMcC

I made Slimming World's and omg it just put me off for good. Im planning to make own hummous so should give it a go with the recipes above!

Ang108

Does anyone use or know of low calorie ones - or what is the lowest you know? I appreciate it won't be really low but like to know what others have found.

Ive tried Asda less fat one when doing SWorld but my tongue stung with it!

Really love my pesto and pasta and havnt had it in a long time and trying to find a way to keep it as low as possible next time I would make it.

When I needed a pick me up thats what I used to cook.

If you serve the pasta really hot and add a spoon full or two of pasta cooking water you can get by with half the Pesto and not lose any flavor.

SassyCalyGirl

pesto may be high in calories-but its full of healthy fats. I had some last night-just planned out my day so I didn't go over in macros.

divacat80

For two generous portions I use half a hass avocado instead of oil and of course I use lots of fresh basil, shredded light cheese, nuts, garlic powder and salt. It's still a lot of calories as you can imagine, but a lot healthier than any supermarket pesto. When i need less calories or want the sauce to be of a more liquid consistency i use less avocado, part 0%light cream cheese or light greek yoghurt. I put everything in a blender until i get a nice looking green cream.
I don't buy pesto anymore!

There's no reason to replace olive oil with avocado but it gives the sauce a lot of consistency and I love the result. It reminds me to the pesto my italian family used to make, which was very much like Pesto Genovese by Barilla brand.


I got the idea of using avocado from pinterest and i just had to try it, and I'm so glad I did!

brynnsmom

Try the Classico brand. I buy it a Kroger on the pasta aisle, with all the other sauces. I think 2 tablespoons is 110 calories, but a little goes a long way; I can easily get by with using 1 tablespoon.

a_mandolin_

For two generous portions I use half a hass avocado instead of oil and of course I use lots of fresh basil, shredded light cheese, nuts, garlic powder and salt. It's still a lot of calories as you can imagine, but a lot healthier than any supermarket pesto. When i need less calories or want the sauce to be of a more liquid consistency i use less avocado, part 0%light cream cheese or light greek yoghurt. I put everything in a blender until i get a nice looking green cream.
I don't buy pesto anymore!

There's no reason to replace olive oil with avocado but it gives the sauce a lot of consistency and I love the result. It reminds me to the pesto my italian family used to make, which was very much like Pesto Genovese by Barilla brand.


I got the idea of using avocado from pinterest and i just had to try it, and I'm so glad I did!

That sounds like it would be quite tasty, I'm going to have to give that a go next time. Thanks for sharing!

conniedj

I just wanted to add that I made my own pesto with swiss chard, walnuts, a bit of fresh basil and cilantro, a bit of parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. I controlled the portions. I never how delicious pesto could be, it was amazing! looking forward to swiss chard again this year, and going to make a ton to put in the freezer!

CatAMcC

Does anyone use or know of low calorie ones - or what is the lowest you know? I appreciate it won't be really low but like to know what others have found.

Ive tried Asda less fat one when doing SWorld but my tongue stung with it!

Really love my pesto and pasta and havnt had it in a long time and trying to find a way to keep it as low as possible next time I would make it.

When I needed a pick me up thats what I used to cook.

If you serve the pasta really hot and add a spoon full or two of pasta cooking water you can get by with half the Pesto and not lose any flavor.

Fab tip!

emmamurphy82

Ive made my own with just basil, walnuts, lemon juice and a tiny bit of parmasan. Blend it up.


It doesn't last due to no oil, but it tastes delicious and is so low cal.

CatAMcC

Ive made my own with just basil, walnuts, lemon juice and a tiny bit of parmasan. Blend it up.


It doesn't last due to no oil, but it tastes delicious and is so low cal.

Its the oil I worry about so would defo try without!

mazdauk

If you serve the pasta really hot and add a spoon full or two of pasta cooking water you can get by with half the Pesto and not lose any flavor.

great tip! I also do this (pasta water) and add light Philly with peppers for a creamy sauce with hardly any calories.