Pesto di Basilico

Pesto di Basilico is a vibrant and aromatic basil pesto that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This low-carb delight is perfect for a light lunch, combining fresh basil, nuts, and cheese into a flavorful sauce, ideal for pairing with zucchini noodles or grilled chicken.

Pesto di Basilico
15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
300 kcal

Ingredients

  • Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
  • Pine nuts - 30 grams
  • Parmesan cheese, grated - 30 grams
  • Garlic clove - 1
  • Olive oil - 60 ml
  • Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - to taste

Steps

  1. Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  2. In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and the garlic clove.
  3. Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, blending again to combine.
  6. Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl and enjoy it with your choice of low-carb vegetables or proteins.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Carbs: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants from fresh basil, supporting immune health.
  • Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.

Tags

ItalianLow CarbLunch