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–+ servings
Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto

Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto: Fresh, Flavorful, Nut-Free Bliss

This Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto is a fresh and flavorful nut-free sauce, perfect for enhancing your meals while keeping them healthy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves tightly packed for maximum freshness
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese grated; substitute with vegetarian cheese for a nut-free variant
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh cloves, peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil adjust for desired consistency
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 pinch Salt add to taste, or omit if the cheese is salty enough

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Skinny Basil Pesto
  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather the fresh basil leaves, Pecorino Romano cheese, and garlic. Rinse basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry. Peel and chop the garlic finely.
  2. Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine packed basil leaves, chopped garlic, and grated cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped and well combined, about 10-15 seconds.
  3. Add the Olive Oil: With the processor running on low, gradually stream in the olive oil until pesto reaches desired consistency, about 20-30 seconds.
  4. Season to Perfection: Taste and season with black pepper and salt. Blend briefly to incorporate flavors.
  5. Final Adjustments: If too thick, add more olive oil one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition to reach preferred consistency.
  6. Store or Serve: Transfer to an airtight container. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze in ice cube trays.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 30mgVitamin A: 2700IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

Use freshly packed basil leaves for maximum flavor and adjust seasoning just prior to serving.

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