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Low Sodium Pesto 3

Low Sodium Homemade Pesto

Why buy store bought pesto when you can whip up a batch at home in just a matter of minutes? This low sodium version is dairy free, full of heart healthy fats, and pairs perfectly with a variety of recipes!
Recipe developed by Clarissa Paimanta, RD and tested by Jennifer Krasilovsky, KidneyRD Intern 2021
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Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Keto, Low Carb, Low Phosphorus, Low Potassium, Low Protein, Low Sodium, Plant-Based
Diet Type: CKD, Dialysis, VLPD
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 141kcal
Author: Clarissa Paimanta, RD

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast to taste

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients into the blender.  Blend on high speed until desired smoothness.  Adjust seasonings to taste, adding nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor.
  • Pour pesto into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.

Variations:

  • Herbs:   Feel free to mix things up by replacing a portion of the basil with parsley, chives, spinach, or even kale.
  • Nuts:  Walnuts are lower in potassium but may be slightly bitter. Use pine nuts for a more traditional pesto, cashews for a milder flavor, or any of your favorite nuts or seeds.
  • Fats:  Add 1/2 avocado to replace half of the olive oil

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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