Fantastically Healthy Pesto

Bursting with vibrant flavor and loaded with nutrients, this Fantastically Healthy Pesto is a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian sauce. Made with fresh basil, baby spinach, and a unique blend of toasted cashews and nutritional yeast, this dairy-free pesto is rich, creamy, and vegan-friendly. A zesty splash of lemon juice and a hint of garlic elevate the flavor, while extra-virgin olive oil ties it all together for a luxuriously smooth texture. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this nutritious pesto is perfect as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or veggie dip. It's a versatile, wholesome addition to any meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Ideal for clean eating and plant-based diets, this recipe is proof that healthy eating never has to compromise on taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Baby spinach
• 0.5 cup Raw cashews
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 0.5 teaspoons Sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the fresh basil leaves and baby spinach thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the raw cashews for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow them to cool for a minute.

Step 3

Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 4

In a food processor or blender, add the basil leaves, baby spinach, toasted cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast.

Step 5

Pulse the ingredients a few times to break them down into smaller pieces.

Step 6

While the processor or blender is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, followed by the fresh lemon juice. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.

Step 7

Add the sea salt, black pepper, and water to the mixture. Blend again until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Add an extra tablespoon of water if the pesto is too thick.

Step 8

Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.

Step 9

Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Step 10

Serve as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables. Enjoy your fantastically healthy pesto!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	261.2 grams (261.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	936

Total Fat 84.50g	108%
Saturated Fat 12.60g	63%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1210mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 31.20g	11%
Dietary Fiber 7.20g	26%
Total Sugars 4.20g
Protein 21.90g	44%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 116mg	9%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 864mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.2%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 12.8%