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Zesty Low-Carb Basil Pesto Dressing

Recipe by Kristina Hanson

This bright and herbaceous dressing brings the classic flavors of Genoa to your table in a smooth, pourable format. It is rich in wholesome fats and savory parmesan, offering a satisfying depth of flavor without any added sugars. Perfect for tossing with fresh greens, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or using as a marinade for grilled chicken.

  • Total Time10 minutes
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh & Dairy

  • 1 clove garlic (peeled and roughly chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed) (approx. 25g)
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated) (approx. 25g)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) (30ml)

Pantry & Seasonings

  • ¼ cup pine nuts (raw or lightly toasted) (approx. 35g)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (5ml)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (high quality) (60ml)

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics: Place the roughly chopped garlic and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3-4 times just until the garlic is minced and the nuts are broken down into coarse crumbs.
  2. Add greens and cheese: Add the fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar to the processor.
  3. Pulse to combine: Use short, quick pulses to chop the basil and incorporate it with the cheese. Important: Do not blend continuously or over-process, as the heat from the blades can oxidize the basil, turning it dark and affecting the flavor.
  4. Emulsify gently: Add the olive oil in small splashes, pulsing briefly after each addition just until the dressing reaches a unified consistency.
  5. Store immediately: Scrape down the sides, taste to adjust salt if needed, and immediately transfer to a clean airtight container. Place directly in the refrigerator to maintain safety and freshness.

Notes

  • Safety & Storage: Because this recipe contains raw garlic in oil, it must be kept refrigerated at all times to prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3-4 days maximum. Do not store at room temperature.
  • Serving Tip: The olive oil may solidify slightly in the fridge. To serve, let the jar sit on the counter for about 5 minutes to soften, then shake well before pouring.
  • Variation: If pine nuts are unavailable, walnuts or sunflower seeds (for a nut-free option) make excellent substitutions with a similar texture.
  • Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Tree Nuts (Pine Nuts) and Milk (Parmesan).

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 138 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg
  • Sodium: 165mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1.6g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
    • Sugars: 0.4g
  • Net Carbs: 1.3g
  • Protein: 2.5g

Disclaimer: These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app or consult a reliable database.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment / Dressing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://dailyzests.com/zesty-low-carb-basil-pesto-dressing/