A Scrumptious Healthy Pesto Recipe

Who doesn’t love some healthy pesto pizazz in their life? Healthy pesto meals are the perfect way to transition into summer. Besides that it is super scrumptious, pesto is easy to make! You can make a big batch and then freeze the extras for another meal or two.

Healthy Pesto

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves

¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts or cashews or almonds (so many options!)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground pepper

Put all the dry ingredients in a food processor, and then pulse a few times. Add the oil and then process until the pesto is smooth, or to the consistency you desire. Taste it just to make sure, you can add extra of any of the ingredients to make it taste just right.

So, what do you eat healthy pesto with? I think the better question is what don’t you eat pesto with. ;)

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy healthy pesto:

Sandwiches
Healthy pesto is a healthy alternative to mayo. Just spread the pesto on the bread or wrap, and add all your favorite sandwich ingredients. Try a whole wheat wrap with pesto, turkey, spinach leaves, and tomato for a really tasty lunch!

Pastas

Instead of a heavy white sauce, use pesto with your pasta. Healthy pesto tastes delicious when paired with pasta alternatives, too. Pair the pesto pasta with a red cabbage, blueberry, and chickpea salad with tahini maple dressing, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for the patio.  

Chicken

Brush the healthy pesto over raw chicken breasts, and then bake the chicken as usual. Sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese over the pesto chicken breasts for the last 3 minutes of baking. This is a great dish to serve with grilled veggies and a glass of white wine, or grape juice for the kids.

Pizza

You can make low-calorie pesto pizzas pretty easily. Grab some mini whole wheat tortillas and spread pesto on them. Put some fresh slices of tomato and grated parmesan cheese over the pesto and bake until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Kids love helping out with these pizzas, so it’s a great family activity.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate healthy pesto into your meals? I’d love to hear them! Write a comment below, or post to my Facebook page with your ideas!