Basil Pesto Cream - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Basil Pesto Cream
Prep: 14 min
Servings: 20
Lunch

Nutrition per Serving

15 Calories
2g Protein
1g Carbs
0.5g Fat
This flavorful dip is surprisingly healthy and low-fat. Use it as a dip or spread. It's great served over grilled or broiled fish too!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot (about 1 large)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup nonfat cottage cheese
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons skim milk

Instructions

  1. Place spinach, garlic, shallot, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and basil in food processor. Process to a paste.
  2. With motor running, add cottage cheese and oil. Process until smooth. Add milk to achieve the desired consistency, if desired.

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Basil Pesto Cream contribute to your health goals:

  • Egg: Contain choline which supports liver function and hormone metabolism
  • Spinach: Magnesium may help improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS
  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing protein-rich ingredients that help regulate appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Basil Pesto Cream can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Spinach, Basil.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Basil is an excellent st...

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