We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Pesto!

grecogab90
grecogab90 Posts: 77 Member
edited December 2024 in Recipes
Anyone have a healthy recipe for pesto, I've looked at the grocery store. Those ones are not even close to being healthy! I'm open for suggestions. :)

Replies

  • Dorianlg
    Dorianlg Posts: 65 Member
    So I have a great recipe for arugula pesto that I see no reason you couldn't also make with basil.
    http://inmykitchengarden.blogspot.com/2006/05/arugula-pesto-takes-over-kitchen.html
    What cuts down on the calories considerably is the use of chickpeas instead of pine nuts. It tastes delicious. You could also experiment with replacing a little of the oil with water, I suspect it wouldn't hurt the recipe any.
    Good luck finding more recipes!
  • missmgray
    missmgray Posts: 152 Member
    Here is how I make my version of pesto. Pack your food processor with raw spinach and basil leaves, a clove of garlic, a handful of almonds, and an ounce of real parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Wiz in the food processor drizzle in a tablespoon or so of olive oil and add chicken stock to thin to the consistency you like. The spinach has so much natural liquid, I find you need less oil. This raw sauce is amazing with hot cooked orzo and lemon zest to finish.
  • Leeanne1974
    Leeanne1974 Posts: 207 Member
    Here is how I make my version of pesto. Pack your food processor with raw spinach and basil leaves, a clove of garlic, a handful of almonds, and an ounce of real parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Wiz in the food processor drizzle in a tablespoon or so of olive oil and add chicken stock to thin to the consistency you like. The spinach has so much natural liquid, I find you need less oil. This raw sauce is amazing with hot cooked orzo and lemon zest to finish.
    Is that really a lot lower in fat and calories than Pesto?
  • missmgray
    missmgray Posts: 152 Member
    Here is how I make my version of pesto. Pack your food processor with raw spinach and basil leaves, a clove of garlic, a handful of almonds, and an ounce of real parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Wiz in the food processor drizzle in a tablespoon or so of olive oil and add chicken stock to thin to the consistency you like. The spinach has so much natural liquid, I find you need less oil. This raw sauce is amazing with hot cooked orzo and lemon zest to finish.
    Is that really a lot lower in fat and calories than Pesto?

    If you split the batch in 4 the break down is:
    115 Cal
    5 Carb
    9 Fat
    6 Pro

    The last (and favorite) jar of premade pesto I bought was from Trader joe's - Pesto alla Genovese - per 1/4 cup:
    250 Cals
    3 Carb
    26 Fat
    3 Pro
    Mama mia!!

    I'm sure not all pesto is as evil as my fave from TJ's but my home made version is certainly lighter. :flowerforyou:
  • FuneralDiner
    FuneralDiner Posts: 438 Member
    Basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pinenuts, salt.

    Hey presto. Basil pesto. (Did you like what I did there?)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories