Best Cottage Cheese Pesto Recipe
Introduction
This Best Cottage Cheese Pesto is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic pesto sauce. Made with fresh basil, walnuts, and Parmesan, it adds a rich and healthy boost to your meals. Perfect for pasta, salads, or as a spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 to 1 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt (sea salt preferred)
- Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients, including cottage cheese, fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper. Have your blender or food processor ready.
- Step 2: Add cottage cheese, basil, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic to the blender. Pour in the olive or avocado oil starting with 1/4 cup.
- Step 3: Season with salt and pepper, then blend until smooth. Add more oil gradually if the pesto is too thick, blending until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 4: Transfer the pesto to a jar and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Step 5: Use your pesto as a sauce for pasta, a marinade, or a salad dressing. Enjoy immediately or chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness and freshness.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic cloves to three.
- Use avocado oil for a milder taste and a boost of healthy fats.
Storage
Store the pesto in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, stir well. You can spoon some pesto into ice cube trays and freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Reheat gently if adding to warm dishes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Yes, pine nuts, almonds, or cashews can be used as alternatives. Each nut will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the pesto.
Is this pesto safe for people with lactose intolerance?
Cottage cheese contains some lactose, so it may not be suitable for those highly sensitive to lactose. You can try lactose-free cottage cheese or substitute with a dairy-free soft cheese alternative.
PrintBest Cottage Cheese Pesto Recipe
This Best Cottage Cheese Pesto recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional pesto by incorporating cottage cheese for added protein and smooth texture. Made with fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, blended with olive or avocado oil, this pesto is versatile and easy to prepare. Ideal as a pasta sauce, marinade, or salad dressing, it’s a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup pesto 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 to 1 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt (sea salt preferred)
- Pepper
Instructions
- Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients: First, assemble all your ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, ½ to 1 cup fresh basil depending on your flavor preference, ¼ cup walnuts, ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional), 2 cloves garlic, ¼ to ½ cup olive oil or avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure to have your blender or food processor ready for use.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Start by adding 1 cup cottage cheese to the blender or food processor. Then add ½ to 1 cup fresh basil, ¼ cup walnuts, ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (if using), and 2 cloves garlic. Pour in ¼ to ½ cup olive or avocado oil, depending on the desired creaminess.
- Season and Blend: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, preferably using sea salt. Blend until smooth, using a high-powered blender if available for best results. If too thick, gradually add more oil until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Store Your Pesto: Transfer the smooth pesto to a jar and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Enjoy Your Pesto: Use this versatile pesto as a sauce for pasta, a marinade for meats, or a salad dressing. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful addition to your meals!
Notes
- Adjust garlic amount based on your tolerance for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Use sea salt for better flavor, but regular salt can be substituted.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pine nuts or cashews for variation.
- For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- If pesto is too thick, add olive or avocado oil gradually to achieve preferred consistency.
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 5 days for best taste and safety.
Keywords: Cottage cheese pesto, creamy pesto sauce, easy pesto recipe, healthy pesto, basil pesto with cottage cheese
