Nut Free Basil Pesto with Lemon [No Oil]
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
6 servings (makes 1 cup)
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Calories
5 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Nut Free Basil Pesto with Lemon [No Oil]
Description
Nut Free Basil Pesto with Lemon removes traditional oil and nuts to produce a fresh and tangy sauce focused on basil and lemon juice. Fresh packed basil leaves and peeled garlic cloves are blended with lemon juice and salt until smooth. Water is added gradually to reach the desired consistency, allowing control over thickness.
The lemon juice brightens the pesto's flavor profile, while the absence of oil results in a lighter texture. The garlic provides a typical pungency balanced by the salt and acidity. This no-oil pesto maintains the essential herbal qualities associated with traditional pesto while accommodating nut allergies and those avoiding oil.
This pesto can be stored in the fridge for use within a few days or frozen for longer storage, making it handy for future meals. It works well as a topping or sauce for pasta, vegetables, or sandwiches.
Variations using other herbs instead of basil are possible by keeping the same ingredient ratios. Use of a food processor or blender affects the texture, where a food processor leaves some small pieces, and a blender creates a smoother sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil packed, fresh leaves
- 3-4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice approx half a large lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste, sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except the water to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency.
Notes
- Store pesto in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and use within a few days for best flavor.
- Freeze pesto in portions for up to 6 months to preserve fresh herb flavors.
- Substitute basil with other herbs using the same ingredient ratios to vary the pesto taste.
- Use a food processor for a slightly textured pesto or a blender for a smoother consistency.
- Double or triple the recipe to make larger batches for freezing and later use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings (makes 1 cup)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 5 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 5cal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 195mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 30mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 422IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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