You are going to go wild for this delicious Keto Pesto! It's literally the best pesto I've ever had. Packed with garlicky goodness, toasted pecans, basil, and a bit of lemon juice, this is a recipe you are going to want to keep on hand. It is perfect to make Pesto Chicken, Pesto Pizza, to serve over zoodles, or even to toss with veggies. With zero net carbs per serving!

Overheat photo of Keto Pesto sitting on a rustic plate garnished with basil with a spoon sitting beside it. — This Low Carb Pesto is one you are going to want to keep on hand!

Few things are as versatile as pesto sauce.

Pre-keto, I loved it over pasta. These days, I may be eating zoodles instead, but the love is still there. It is also fabulous on pizza, burgers, lasagna, chicken, or steak. Heck, I’ve even been known to drizzle it over eggs. (You have to try that one - so good!)

Made with simple ingredients, it packs a robust flavor that carries so many different types of dishes.

I had never made Pecan Pesto before, and I was blown away by how much I loved this. I initially tried it with pecans because they are one of the lowest carb nuts, but I’ll keep making it this way for the flavor.

Overheat photo of Keto Pest in a small glass jar garnished with basil and sitting on a plate with a spoon beside it. — You won't believe how something so easy to make can be so flavor-packed!

Tips & Tricks

If you want a pesto that stays bright green for days and that is less intense than raw basil pesto, try blanching the basil. To do this, place the basil in a heatproof strainer and then briefly dip into boiling water and then follow by an ice bath. Spread between two clean dish towels and blot dry.
If you don't have a blender, a food processor also works here. An immersion blender is another option, but I find it much easier with a blender or food processor.

Variations for Keto Pesto Sauce

If you prefer, you can use toasted pine nuts in place of the pecans.
Substitute parsley for the pesto and add in two tablespoons of capers.
Add ¼ cup each of fresh oregano and mint
Omit the Parmesan to make this recipe dairy-free. (It will still be great - promise.)

How do you use pesto?

Pesto Chicken
Pesto Pizza
Over Zucchini Noodles
On top of Broiled Tomatoes
Chicken Salad
Tossed with Vegetables

Side photo of low carb pesto in a glass jar sitting on a plate with a spoon by it on a dark background.

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5 from 4 votes

Keto Pecan Pesto

You are going to go nuts for this delicious Keto Pesto! It literally the best pesto I've ever had! Packed with garlicky goodness, toasted pecans, basil, and a bit of lemon juice, this is a recipe you are going to want to keep on hand. It is perfect to make Pesto Chicken, to serve over zoodles, or even to toss with veggies.

Prep Time7

Total Time7

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: Garlicky

Servings:

Calories: 119.3kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

Equipment

High Speed Blender

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup pecans toasted and cooled
2 ounces Parmesan cheese shredded
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a food processor or blender, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, pecans, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Process until smooth.
Add water until the desired consistency is reached.
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Storing Pecan Pesto

This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. (Pesto with unblanched basil can get a bit darker kept in the fridge but it is still good to eat. I kept this for 5 days and did not experience this, but I have had it happen before.)

Freezing Pesto

Pesto freezes beautifully and is fabulous to have on hand for a quick meal. You can freeze it in any freezer-safe container, but my favorite way is to freeze it in an ice cube tray. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or you can heat it over low in a saucepan straight from frozen. A microwave is also an option, but it will likely splatter a bit.

Nutrition