What makes This Healthy Pesto Grilled Cheese….well, Healthy?
For me, a healthy meal should usually contain least one for the follow nutrients: antioxidants, omega-3s, monounsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This Healthy Pesto Grilled Cheese contains ALL of them!
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First you have the Power Pesto Recipe. The following ingredients are in the Pesto sauce alone:
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, and dementia, promote brain function, support the immune system, and even help with mood and mood disorders. Dark leafy greens area also great sources of crucial vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Nuts
Nuts contain fiber, healthy fats, and polyphenol antioxidants. In the video below, I used walnuts. Walnuts are a good source of ALA Omega-3s as well.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional Yeast not only adds a nice cheesy flavor to this recipe, but also contributes many beneficial nutrients. It contains antioxidants and vitamin B12. It is also a complete protein and a good source of Beta Glucan fiber. Both nutrients are super filling. Beta glucan may offer protection against heart disease and some forms of cancer, and according to research, may even help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Seeds (Flaxseed, Chia Seed, Hemp Seed)
These three seeds are packed with nutrients like fiber, ALA Omega-3, antioxidants, protein, and many vitamins and minerals. So, we have yet again another great source of protein and fiber! You will not believe how filling this pesto is!
Garlic
Garlic is a great good source of vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese, and Selenium. This healthy herb is also a prebiotic. A prebiotic promotes a healthy gut by feeding the good bacteria in your gut. Garlic also promotes a healthy immune system and may even have anti-viral properties.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
EVOO is an excellent source of a healthy monounsaturated fats called oleic acid as well as antioxidants. EVOO also contains another healthy we talked about earlier, Omega-3s.
What Else is in This Healthy Pesto Grilled Cheese?
Combine this powerhouse pesto with a few more vegetables, like mushrooms, onions. Then serve it in a nutrient-rich whole grain bread, and you have one super filling, nutrient-packed sandwich.
Healthy Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Serves 1
Yield: 1 Sandwich
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 Baby Bella Mushroom, sliced
- 2 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup Healthy Pesto
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Slices of Whole Wheat bread
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
Instructions:
- Bring a pan to medium-high heat on the stovetop. Let the pan heat for about 1 minute.
- Spray the pan with cooking oil. Let the cooking oil heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to the pan, and sauté then for about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Set the pan aside to use later.
- On a plate, add the pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sautéed vegetables to one slice of bread.
- Top with another slice of bread.
- Spray the pan again with the olive oil. Preheat the pan again on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
- Place the sandwich on the pan and cover for 2 minutes.
- Uncover; then flip the sandwich.
- Press the sandwich with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with a lid again for 2 more minutes.
*Note cook times will vary.
