High Protein Red Pesto Sauce

Elevate your meals with this High Protein Red Pesto Sauce, a vibrant and nutritious twist on the classic pesto recipe. Infused with the rich flavors of roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, this sauce gets a protein-packed upgrade from creamy chickpeas and nutty almonds. Parmesan cheese and garlic add a savory depth, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile red pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a dip for veggies or crackers. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness, this easy-to-make sauce is ideal for meal preps or quick weeknight dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 whole roasted red peppers
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 0.25 cup almonds
• 2 garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by draining the canned chickpeas and rinsing them under cold water to reduce sodium content and improve texture. Set aside.

Step 2

2. In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil), drained chickpeas, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, almonds, and garlic cloves.

Step 3

3. Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly chopped and blended.

Step 4

4. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube of the food processor while it's running. This will help the mixture emulsify into a smooth sauce.

Step 5

5. Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the processor. Blitz the mixture until smooth, or to your desired consistency.

Step 6

6. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice if you prefer a bit more zing.

Step 7

7. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve this protein-packed red pesto sauce with your favorite pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a delicious dip.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1021.5 grams (1021.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2322

Total Fat 166.90g	214%
Saturated Fat 28.40g	142%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 2581mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 157.40g	57%
Dietary Fiber 46.70g	167%
Total Sugars 37.00g
Protein 67.90g	136%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 926mg	71%
Iron 18mg	98%
Potassium 3494mg	74%

*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: 62.5%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 26.2%