Watercress Pesto
Watercress pesto is a vibrant, peppery twist on traditional Italian pesto, typically made by blending fresh watercress, nuts like walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It's a modern, fresh variation that originates from culinary adaptations of the classic Genovese basil pesto.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, with a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and nuts, and is low in carbohydrates. It's a nutrient-dense condiment, rich in vitamins K, A, and C from the watercress, with a rough calorie estimate of 150-200 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 7.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin K | 60 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Folate | 15 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a popular 'green' twist on a classic, often used as a healthier or more seasonal alternative to basil pesto. Nutritionally, watercress is a powerhouse cruciferous vegetable, making this pesto an exceptionally concentrated source of antioxidants and phytonutrients compared to traditional versions.
