Low Sodium Marinara Sauce Recipe

This rich, robust Low Sodium Marinara Sauce Recipe is made with unsalted crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, and aromatic basil, ready in just 40 minutes. The irresistible scent of garlic toasting in warm olive oil fills the kitchen right before the tomatoes hit the pan. I find this homemade version much more vibrant than anything poured straight from a jar.

Try More Sauces Recipes:

• Low Sodium BBQ Sauce Recipe
• Easy Low Sodium Pizza Sauce Recipe
• Quick Low Sodium Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

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Why You Will Love This Low Sodium Marinara Sauce Recipe:

• Heart-Healthy & Guilt-Free: It is the perfect solution for anyone watching their blood pressure or sodium intake, allowing you to enjoy classic pasta nights without compromising your wellness goals.
• Pure Tomato Flavor: By stripping away the excess salt, the natural sweetness and acidity of high-quality San Marzano or vine-ripened tomatoes truly take center stage.
• Aromatic Herb Profile: This recipe leans on a “flavor-first” strategy, using generous amounts of fresh basil, toasted garlic, and dried oregano to create a deep, complex taste that salt usually masks.
• No Hidden Additives: Unlike store-bought jars that are often loaded with preservatives and hidden sugars, this homemade version is clean, simple, and 100% natural.
• The Ultimate Meal Foundation: It’s incredibly versatile—use it as a base for low-sodium lasagna, a dipping sauce for your Italian Herb bread, or a topping for roasted spaghetti squash.
• Quick & Batch-Friendly: It comes together in under 30 minutes and freezes beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for weekend meal prep.
• Naturally Low-Calorie: Because it focuses on fresh vegetables and aromatics rather than heavy fats or thickeners, it is a light yet satisfying addition to any meal.

Low Sodium Marinara Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

How To Make Low Sodium Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Cook the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being very careful not to let it brown.
3. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.
4. Develop the flavor: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use quality tomatoes: Since there is no salt to hide behind, buy the absolute best quality canned tomatoes you can find.
• Watch the heat: Garlic burns quickly and can turn the whole pot bitter, so keep the heat moderate when sautéing your aromatics.
• Simmer longer: If you have extra time on your hands, letting the sauce simmer for an hour will deepen the flavor profile even further.

What To Serve With Low Sodium Marinara Sauce?

Spoon this Low Sodium Marinara Sauce over a warm bed of whole wheat spaghetti or fresh zucchini noodles for a quick weeknight meal. It also works beautifully as a base layer for homemade pizza or spooned over baked chicken breasts.

How To Store Leftovers Low Sodium Marinara Sauce?

Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or glass jars for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can easily use fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes. You will need to blanch, peel, and crush about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes before simmering.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to simmer completely uncovered for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the excess water evaporate and concentrates the tomato flavor.

Does this taste bland without salt?

Not at all. The bold combination of garlic, onion, oregano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar creates a complex flavor profile that easily makes up for the lack of sodium.

More Sauces Recipes:

• Low Sodium Alfredo Sauce
• Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
• Low Sodium Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Low Sodium Marinara Sauce Nutrition Fact

• Calories: 65 kcal
• Total Fat: 4.7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6g
• Protein: 1.5g