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Healthy Sauce Recipes

These easy-to-make sauces are perfect for enhancing your meals with bold flavors while staying nutritious.
From creamy tahini to vibrant basil pesto, these recipes are ideal for anyone looking for versatile and healthy food recipes.
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Course Sauce
Cuisine Global

Ingredients
  

Tahini Sauce

  • ½ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup water or more for desired consistency
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Basil Pesto

  • ¼ cup raw pine nuts
  • ¼ cup raw cashews
  • ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil more as needed
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Marinara Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 medium cucumber peeled and grated
  • 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Romesco Sauce

  • ½ cup raw hazelnuts
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
  • 1 11.5-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained (about 5 peppers)
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil more as needed

Instructions
 

Tahini Sauce

  • Whisk tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin in a medium bowl. The mixture may appear separated at first; keep whisking until it becomes creamy.
  • For a thinner sauce, gradually add more water until you achieve the desired consistency.

Basil Pesto

  • Toast the pine nuts and cashews in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a food processor.
  • Add olive oil, lemon juice, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if needed to thin the sauce.

Marinara Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and thyme, bringing to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in basil before serving.

Tzatziki Sauce

  • Press grated cucumber through a sieve to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, use a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
  • Combine the cucumber, yogurt, dill, garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix until creamy.

Romesco Sauce

  • Toast hazelnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Repeat with almonds for 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove hazelnut skins by rubbing them with a towel. Add nuts, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, vinegar, paprika, salt, and oil to a food processor.
  • Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth, adding more oil if needed to reach desired consistency.

Notes

  • These sauces can be frozen in ice cube trays for portioned use and stored for up to 3 months.
  • Perfect for pairing with vegetables, proteins, or grains for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Keyword Easy basil pesto recipe, Greek tzatziki recipe, healthy food recipes, Healthy tahini sauce recipe, Homemade marinara sauce, Smoky romesco sauce recipe
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