Another thing we love about pesto is that you can make it yourself (and even tailor your homemade version so it matches your dietary preferences). Or, if you’re tight on time, you can use a jar of the store-bought stuff that tastes just as good. A third option, which will likely come in handy during the winter months when fresh basil may be trickier to come by, is to make a big batch of pesto and stick it in your freezer for later use. Believe it or not, the frozen condiment will stay fresh for up to six months.
Pesto Nutrition Benefits
What’s more? Unlike some condiments that are packed with sugar (we see you, ketchup) or loaded with sodium (sorry, soy sauce), pesto is relatively healthy. In its purest form, traditional pesto is a combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil, and salt. Given that it’s packed with a majority of healthy fats from plants and nuts, pesto can have heart health benefits. Additionally, its high basil, olive oil, and nut content also means it’s loaded with antioxidants, which can safeguard your cells from oxidative damage. This can lead to healthier skin, a reduction in inflammation, and more. And while some store-bought pesto sauces may be heavy on the oil and cheese, even most of those varieties are healthier than you think.
How to Use Store-Bought Pesto
Keep reading to find out all the ways in which you can use pesto to add flavor to meals and stay healthy. RELATED: 10 Most Sustainable Types of Seafood, According to the Seafood Watch RELATED: How to Cook Salmon RELATED: 6 Ways to Make Your Chili Healthier RELATED: 9 Ways to Use Chickpeas (That Don’t Involve Hummus)
