Ultimate WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto Recipe
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on creating WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto, a flavorful and versatile sauce that enhances dishes without adding unnecessary SmartPoints. This recipe is perfect for those following the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) program, offering a delicious way to enjoy meals while staying on track with your wellness goals. Follow along for detailed instructions, precise ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and SmartPoints for your convenience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, packed (optional, for added freshness)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for a dairy-free version)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions:
- Prepare the Herbs and Nuts:
- Rinse the basil, parsley, and mint leaves thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, mint (if using), toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Pulse several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped and combined.
- Drizzle in Olive Oil:
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Season to Taste:
- Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper as desired. Adjust the lemon zest and juice to achieve the right balance of acidity and freshness.
- Store or Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto to a jar or airtight container. If storing, cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Alternatively, use the pesto immediately as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for grilled meats and fish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
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SmartPoints (WW):
- WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto is calculated as 0 SmartPoints per serving, as per the WW program guidelines. Enjoy this flavorful addition to your meals without impacting your daily SmartPoints budget.
Additional Tips:
- Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different combinations of herbs such as cilantro, arugula, or spinach to customize the flavor of your pesto.
- Nut Variations: Replace pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and taste profile.
- Cheese Options: Omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version of the pesto.
- Enhance Dishes: Use WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto to add a burst of freshness to pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, pizzas, salads, and more.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Thaw as needed and stir into dishes for a quick and flavorful meal.
This WW Zero Point Lemon Pesto recipe offers a delicious and versatile sauce option that enhances a wide range of dishes while aligning with your wellness and weight management goals. Whether you’re looking to add flavor to everyday meals or impress guests with a homemade sauce, this pesto is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil guilt-free, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Free Keto Meal Plan :Β KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE