Fresh Keto Basil Pesto
A fresh basil pesto with parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. Ready in minutes and low in carbs by the spoonful.
Bright, garlicky, and ready in minutes
Pesto is one of the easiest keto sauces to make, since basil, olive oil, nuts, and parmesan are all low in carbs. The only thing to watch is the portion, because it is rich and easy to overdo. A couple of tablespoons goes a long way.
Traditional pesto uses pine nuts, but walnuts or toasted almonds work just as well and cost less. Pulse rather than puree so it keeps a little texture. Toss it with zoodles, swirl it into soup, spread it on grilled chicken, or thin it with more oil to make a salad dressing. It freezes well in an ice cube tray.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan (net carbs →)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (net carbs →)
- 2 cloves garlic (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (net carbs →)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (net carbs →)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1Combine the basil, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
- 2With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto comes together but still has some texture.
- 3Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pulse once more. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different nut?
Yes. Walnuts, toasted almonds, or even sunflower seeds work in place of pine nuts and cost less. Each changes the flavor slightly.
How do I store pesto?
Keep it in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning, for up to five days. It also freezes well in an ice cube tray.
More Sauces & Dips recipes
Homemade Keto Ranch Dressing
A five minute homemade ranch made with mayo, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Thicker and fresher than the bottled kind, with almost no carbs.
Keto Alfredo Sauce
A three ingredient alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and parmesan. Silky and rich, with no flour and no added sugar.
Sugar-Free Keto BBQ Sauce
A sticky, tangy barbecue sauce sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit instead of sugar. Modest tomato keeps the carbs low.
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