Easy Keto Pesto Sauce Recipe (10 Minute Low Carb Recipe)

Looking for the perfect low carb pesto sauce? This easy homemade keto pesto recipe is bursting with fresh basil flavor, takes less than 10 minutes, and is the only pesto you’ll ever want to make again. It's perfect on zucchini noodles, grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, or even mixed into cauliflower rice or salads.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Pesto

• ✅ Takes less than 10 minutes
• ✅ Only 1 net carb per tablespoon
• ✅ Freezer-friendly for up to 4 months
• ✅ Perfect on zoodles, meat, seafood, or veggies
• ✅ Vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-approved

I’ve been making homemade pesto for over 15 years using fresh basil from our garden, and this low carb version is one of our most-used sauces. It's a great sauce to meal prep and batch freeze so you can enjoy it year-round.

Having a rotation of easy low carb sauce recipes is a simple way to elevate any dish. Other sauces we think you'll love are low carb alfredo sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, or lemon caper sauce, or healthy tzatziki sauce.

What Is Pesto Sauce?

Pesto is a bright green Italian sauce traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and olive oil. It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and is blended into a smooth or slightly chunky paste.

While pesto is commonly tossed with pasta, it's incredibly versatile and can be used as a spread, dip, marinade, or dressing.

Is Pesto Keto?

Yes, pesto is keto-friendly! It's naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. Just be careful with store-bought pesto, which often contains added sugars or fillers. Our homemade version has just 1 net carb per tablespoon and uses clean, simple ingredients.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this simple sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or nut of choice – see below)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup olive oil

✅ Tip: Always shred your own Parmesan to avoid added starches that increase the carb count.

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor or high-powered blender

How to make low carb pesto sauce

Making homemade pesto is quick and easy:

1. Add ingredients: Combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and salt in a food processor.
2. Blend: Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
3. Add oil: Slowly stream in the olive oil while blending until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust: Add more salt or garlic to taste. Makes 1 cup (16 servings).

Recipe Tips

• Pack the basil when measuring to ensure a rich, thick texture.
• Use quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Freeze in small jars for easy portions (try 4 oz mason jars).

Serving Ideas

Here are some of our favorite ways to use basil pesto sauce:

• 🥒 Toss with zoodles or spaghetti squash
• 🍗 Drizzle over chicken, shrimp, or salmon
• 🥚 Add to scrambled eggs or omelets
• 🍕 Use as a base on low carb pizza crust
• 🥑 Fill an avocado half with pesto for a quick snack
• 🍚 Stir into cauliflower or broccoli rice for a flavor boost

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Storage & Freezing

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. To prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months. Leave ½" of space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion. Great for stocking up when basil is in season! You can also save smaller portions in ice cube trays.

FAQs

How many carbs are in homemade pesto?

Our recipe has 1 net carb per tablespoon, making it ideal for keto, low carb, and diabetic-friendly diets.

Can I make pesto without pine nuts?

While pine nuts are the traditional nut for making pesto, you can also substitute walnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. All of these options work well in a 1:1 ratio and can be lightly toasted to bring out even more flavor.

Why is my pesto turning brown?

Pesto oxidizes quickly. To prevent this, cover the surface with olive oil or press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce before sealing.

More Low Carb Sauces

• Low Carb Spaghetti Meat Sauce

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