This Low Carb Keto Pesto Sauce Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a quick, delicious, and healthy keto sauce to their meals. Ready in just 5 minutes, this gluten-free and keto-friendly sauce is packed with fresh ingredients, that deliver great flavor.
Whether you’re following a keto diet or just love vibrant, fresh flavors, this pesto is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Pesto is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a salad dressing, a keto pasta sauce, or even a dip. It’s a great way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes without adding extra carbs.
Making your own pesto with simple ingredients at home ensures you know exactly what’s in it. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.
Ready to make the best pesto recipe? Let’s dive into the history of pesto and then move on to the ingredients and instructions for this delicious keto pesto recipe.
Watch me make this recipe in my quick video – it’s like cooking together in the kitchen!
Pesto Sauce History
Traditional Pesto sauce has its roots in Genoa, Italy. Traditionally made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, it’s a staple in Italian cuisine.
This keto version keeps all the classic flavors but with a low-carb twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Basil
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts (or nuts of choice)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 pinch Himalayan Salt (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients: fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice (if using), garlic cloves, and Himalayan salt (if using). Make sure everything is measured and ready to go.
Add Ingredients to Food Processor
Place the fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and Himalayan salt into the bowl of a food processor.
Pulse the Mixture
Pulse the ingredients intermittently. This means turning the food processor on and off in short bursts. This helps to blend the ingredients evenly without over-processing.
Scrape Down the Sides
Occasionally, stop pulsing and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are mixed well and you achieve a smooth consistency.
Check Consistency
Continue pulsing until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunkier pesto, while others like it smoother. Adjust the pulsing time to your preference.
Taste and Adjust
Taste your pesto. If needed, add a little more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil to suit your taste. Pulse again briefly to mix any additional ingredients.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your pesto is ready, transfer it to a serving bowl or an airtight container if you’re storing it for later. Enjoy your homemade keto basil pesto as a sauce, dip, or spread!
This method ensures you get a delicious, fresh pesto every time. Enjoy experimenting with different nuts or adding a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without extra carbs.
Low Carb Recipes with Basil Pesto Sauce
Did you know you can use this basil pesto sauce recipe in so many different ways? It’s incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes.
- For a delicious twist, try it on my Easy Pepperoni Low Carb Pizza with Pesto Sauce . The pesto adds a burst of fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the toppings.
- Another great option is my Easy Keto Chicken Salad with Pesto Sauce. The rich, creamy pesto complements the savory chicken beautifully.
This keto pesto recipe is a fantastic way to add flavor to your meals without adding extra carbs. Use it as a salad dressing, pasta sauce, or even a dip. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Need the perfect dipper? These Flaxseed Cottage Cheese Chips are the ultimate crunchy, high-protein companion!
FAQ
How do I store leftover pesto?
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it in an ice cube tray and transfer to a mason jar or freezer bag.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you prefer.
How long does homemade pesto last?
Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze pesto?
Yes, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
What can I serve with keto pesto?
It’s great with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or as a topping for chicken breasts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this pesto is gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten-related health issues.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This will still give you a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What are the health benefits of basil pesto?
Basil pesto is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. It’s a great way to add fresh herbs to your diet, which can support overall health.
Can I use this pesto with regular pasta?
Yes, you can use it with regular pasta, but for a keto-friendly option, try it with zucchini noodles or edamame pasta.
Can I use this pesto in an Instant Pot recipe?
Yes, you can add this pesto to your Instant Pot recipes. Just stir it in at the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor.
Is this pesto suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes, this pesto is perfect for a ketogenic diet. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a great addition to your keto recipes.
Can I use vegetable oils instead of olive oil?
For the best flavor and health benefits, it’s recommended to use good extra virgin olive oil. However, you can use other oils like avocado oil if you prefer.
Can I use this pesto as a salad dressing?
Yes, this pesto makes a great salad dressing. Just thin it out with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice.
Can I use this pesto in a keto pesto pasta?
Yes, this pesto is perfect for keto pesto pasta. Use it with zucchini noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives.
Enjoy making your own pesto and adding a burst of fresh, fragrant basil to your keto recipes! For more easy keto meal recipes, check out our other posts on Coach Rally Rus. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and share your favorite way to use this keto pesto sauce!
More Keto Recipes To Try
Keto Dinner Recipes
- Keto Mediterranean Cod With Walnut Crust
- Keto Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Cottage Cheese Bread
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Keto Basil Pesto Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basil Fresh
- 1/4 cups Pine Nuts or nuts of choice
- 1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cups Olive Oil
- 1/4 cups Lemon Juice optional
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 pinch Himalayan Salt optional
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor.
- Pulse intermittently, scraping sides occasionally with a spatula, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Thank you so much for trying out my recipe! I truly hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine while creating it. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.
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