17 Easy Low-Carb Pesto Meals

Hey there! If you love the vibrant, herby taste of basil pesto but are keeping carbs low, you're in the right place. Pesto isn't just for pasta—it's a fantastic sauce that elevates proteins, veggies, and more. In this article, we've expanded our popular list with full, detailed recipe instructions for each of the 15 low carb pesto recipes. These are all keto-friendly, easy to make, and bursting with flavor

We'll start with a quick homemade pesto recipe (store-bought works too!), then dive into the 15 ideas. Each includes ingredients, steps, and tips. Let's get cooking!

Quick Homemade Basil Pesto (Base for All Recipes)

This classic pesto is low carb and takes just minutes. Makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for cheaper option)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the pine nuts and garlic until coarsely chopped.
2. Add basil leaves and pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add Parmesan and pulse to combine.
4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Store in fridge up to a week.

The 15 Low Carb Pesto Recipes

Each recipe serves 4 and uses about 1/2 cup pesto (adjust to taste). Net carbs are approximate.

1. Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken with a crispy pesto crust—perfect for grilling season. ~3g net carbs per serving.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• 1/2 cup homemade pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, bell peppers for skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chicken cubes with pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Thread onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, alternating with veggies if using.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

2. Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Creamy, cheesy appetizers that disappear fast. ~4g net carbs per serving.

Ingredients:

• 16 large cremini or portobello mushrooms
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove mushroom stems and clean caps.
2. Mix pesto, cream cheese, and half the Parmesan.
3. Stuff each cap generously with the mixture.
4. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp

A fresh, light "pasta" alternative. ~6g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon juice, garlic

Instructions:

1. Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic until pink, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
2. In same pan, lightly sauté zoodles 2 minutes (don't overcook).
3. Toss zoodles with pesto and shrimp.
4. Squeeze lemon over top and serve warm.

4. Pesto Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Nutrient-packed and customizable. ~8g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, riced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Protein: grilled chicken or tofu
• Toppings: avocado, tomatoes, roasted veggies

Instructions:

1. Sauté cauliflower rice in olive oil 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in pesto until coated.
3. Top with protein and fresh veggies.
4. Serve hot or cold as a salad.

5. Baked Pesto Salmon

Simple, elegant, and omega-rich. ~2g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place salmon skin-side down on lined baking sheet.
3. Spread pesto thickly over each fillet.
4. Bake 12-15 minutes until flakes easily.

6. Pesto Egg Muffins

Perfect make-ahead breakfast. ~2g net carbs each.

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Veggies: spinach, tomatoes
• Cheese if desired

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease muffin tin.
2. Whisk eggs with pesto.
3. Add chopped veggies.
4. Pour into tins and bake 20-25 minutes.

7. Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Quick and flavorful seafood option. ~3g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Lemon

Instructions:

1. Marinate shrimp in pesto 15-30 minutes.
2. Thread on skewers.
3. Grill 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Pesto Avocado Salad

Refreshing side or light meal. ~5g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, diced
• Tomatoes, cucumber
• 1/2 cup pesto thinned with olive oil

Instructions:

1. Chop veggies and avocado.
2. Toss gently with thinned pesto.
3. Serve immediately.

9. Pesto Stuffed Peppers

Hearty and colorful. ~10g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved
• Cooked chicken, pesto, cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded chicken with pesto and cheese.
2. Stuff pepper halves.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

10. Grilled Pesto Pork Chops

Juicy and satisfying. ~1g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1/2 cup pesto

Instructions:

1. Marinate chops in pesto 1 hour.
2. Grill 6-8 minutes per side until 145°F internal.
3. Rest before serving.

11. Pesto Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Vegetarian main that's impressive. ~7g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower, sliced into steaks
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Nuts for topping

Instructions:

1. Brush cauliflower slices with pesto.
2. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Top with nuts.

12. Baked Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Tender and meal-prep friendly. ~3g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Egg, breadcrumbs alternative if needed

Instructions:

1. Mix turkey with pesto and egg.
2. Form meatballs.
3. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

13. Grilled Eggplant Rolls with Pesto

Elegant appetizer. ~5g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced lengthwise
• Pesto, ricotta or mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Grill eggplant slices until tender.
2. Spread pesto and cheese.
3. Roll up and secure if needed.
4. Bake briefly to melt cheese.

14. Creamy Pesto Broccoli Soup

Cozy comfort food. ~8g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb broccoli
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Cream or broth

Instructions:

1. Steam broccoli until tender.
2. Blend with pesto and cream.
3. Heat and serve with pine nuts.

15. Grilled Pesto Lamb Chops

Luxurious dinner option. ~2g net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb chops
• 1/2 cup pesto

Instructions:

1. Marinate chops in pesto 1-2 hours.
2. Grill 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Rest 5 minutes.

Bonus: Pesto as a Low Carb Dip

Thin pesto with olive oil and serve with veggie sticks. Instant snack!

Mix with cream cheese for a richer dip.

Conclusion

These 15 low carb pesto recipes prove that ditching pasta doesn't mean missing out on flavor. With full instructions, you can whip up any of these anytime. Experiment, share your twists, and enjoy the fresh taste of pesto in new ways!

Which recipe are you trying first? Happy cooking!