Good morning! After I finish this post, I’m going to tend to more important things, like catch up on the Pretty Little Liars episode from last night…so let me share this post nice and quick. 
I get a lot of my cooking (and cabinet clean out) inspiration from the blog world. Lately I’ve seen two recipes for oil free pesto from Jenna and Angela and I figured why not give it a try. I like the idea of using chickpeas because you get even more of a protein packed punch AND less calories and fat from using WAY less olive oil. (I mean clearly having EVOO has it’s health benefits that I LOVE and support, but who, SOMETIMES, isn’t looking to cutting calories and fat from a whole lot to not that much!)
So I went on my mission to make my own almost oil free pesto. It was REALLY good. This has a thicker hummus-y texture that I really liked. (Who doesn’t like hummus??)
Here’s the deal: If you are looking for a true oily, creamy, indulgent pesto, then this isn’t for you. Stick with a traditional pesto. If you’re looking for a pesto flavor to liven up some lunches without adding a ton of calories/fat or to eat as a side dish, then make it!
ingredients
Inspired by Angela’s Oil Free Pesto Combine all ingredients in a food processor. If you’d like a thinner “pesto” add more water and adjust sea salt and pepper according to taste.
Another can out of my cabinet! Somehow it doesn’t look any emptier….
Have you tried (almost) oil free pesto?
I’m off to watch Pretty Little Liars, then maybe hit up my first spin class since before injuring my knee! Enjoy the day!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks good
Nicole your pesto looks wonderful and it’s been far too long since I’ve clicked off my reader…your site is so pretty
Yum! I’ve not tried the oil-free pesto yet, but what a great swap if you’re counting calories.
That look absolutely delicious! I found lots of healthy cooking on your blog. I’ll come back again for sure:)
Cheers,
Dwiana
Just found your blog & I’m glad I did. I loveee pesto but do not love how much oil it usually requires to be creamy and delicious. Plus the fact that this has PROTEIN!
This seems like a great alternative– thanks for sharing.
I’ve been meaning to make Angela’s recipe ever since I saw it! This looks so good
That looks awesome. I really need to invest in a food processor.
Yum!! Now all I need to do is actually find some basil in this country! hahaha
I’ve never made pesto before, but I’m definitely going to give this one a shot. Looks and sounds great!
I’ve never tried this but will definitely try it soon!! BRILLIANT!!!!
Just wanted to comment on all the great recipes you’ve included in your blog…it’s a pleasure to read. As I’m always on the look out for healthy high protein recipes, I’ll definitely have to try this one out. Your high protein sweet quinoa breakfast recipe will be next on my list. Many thanks.