Lighter Basil Pesto
Make a lighter version of pesto sauce with ricotta cheese.
This sauce has the traditional basil flavor and is not too thick.
It's a simple and tasty way to add flavor to your meals.
By Nadia Kovalenko
Posted October 22, 2026Share
Time
Calories
Servings
Difficulty
Description
Make a lighter version of pesto sauce with ricotta cheese.
This sauce has the traditional basil flavor and is not too thick.
It's a simple and tasty way to add flavor to your meals.
Quick Tip Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Ingredients 8
2 cups fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon pine nuts
0.25 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable broth, or as needed
Instructions
-
1
Chop 2 cups of fresh basil, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of pine nuts in a food processor. Add 0.25 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese and process. Then add 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Process until combined. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth and process until the sauce is smooth. Add more broth if the pesto is too thick.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
-
Calories 42 kcal
% Daily Value *
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Total Fat 3g
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Saturated Fat 1g
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Cholesterol 5mg
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Sodium 56mg
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Total Carbohydrate 1g
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Protein 3g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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