AWESOME PESTO CHICKEN SALAD ★ WonkyWonderful from wonkywonderful.com
Introduction
Pesto is a versatile Italian sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches. It is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. While delicious, traditional pesto is high in calories and fat. This recipe uses healthier ingredients to create a nutritious and delicious pesto sauce.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup walnuts
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Start by washing the spinach and basil leaves and patting them dry with a paper towel. 2. Add the spinach, basil, walnuts, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. 3. Add the Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the pesto sauce is smooth. 4. Taste the pesto sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more olive oil to thin it out. 5. Store the pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
This healthy pesto recipe is packed with nutrients. One serving (2 tablespoons) contains:
Calories: 110
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 220mg
Variations
There are many ways to customize this healthy pesto recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:
Swap the spinach for kale or arugula
Use cashews or almonds instead of walnuts
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor
Try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan version
Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on traditional pesto
Ways to Use Pesto Sauce
Once you've made your healthy pesto sauce, you can use it in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
Toss with cooked pasta for an easy and flavorful meal
Spread on a sandwich or wrap instead of mayonnaise
Use as a dip for vegetables or crackers
Drizzle over roasted vegetables for extra flavor
Use as a pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce
Conclusion
This healthy pesto recipe is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional pesto sauce. Using fresh spinach, basil, and walnuts, this recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and use it in a variety of dishes. Give it a try and enjoy a healthier version of this classic Italian sauce!
