Earlier this year, the user @liemessa made headlines on outlets such as Delish and The Washington Post when her baked feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok. (The hype also led some people to believe there was a feta shortage in Finland, where the recipe originated. It’s unclear whether that actually happened, though, as Yahoo reports.) RELATED: 10 Healthy and Comforting Pasta Recipes

How to Make Those Pesto Eggs From TikTok

Recently, another recipe began blowing up on the platform (with 134.2 million posts being hashtagged #pestoeggs to date!), and, like the feta pasta, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. The dish contains pesto, eggs, salt, and pepper, and it may be served alone or on top of a slice of bread with mashed avocado. The eggs can be cooked any way you like, with the pesto in place of the usual cooking fat. RELATED: The Skinny on Fat: What Are the Best and Worst Sources?

A Registered Dietitian’s Review of Pesto Eggs

In general, pesto eggs are a pretty healthy way to start your day. While controversial, eggs are a lean source of protein, and are rich in many vitamins and minerals. For instance, one egg yolk contains 169 milligrams (mg) of choline, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. Pesto can be part of a healthy diet, too. The main thing to look for when picking a pesto is the type of oil listed in the ingredients. Opt for a pesto rich in unsaturated fats (think olive oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil) or, even better, make your own by mixing pine nuts, a healthy oil, lemon juice, and basil leaves. You may choose to add salt, garlic, or cheese, such as Parmesan, to your pesto. Yet because the flavor of pesto is so strong, a little goes a long way, and it will help you keep overall calories and fat in check. RELATED: A Scientifically Proven Way to Lose 1 Pound of Weight

3 Other Healthy Ways to Whip Up Pesto Eggs at Home

Try these delicious variations to kick up the flavor and nutritional value with the addition of veggies and whole grains.

Pesto Egg Frittata With Summer Vegetables

Serves 6 Ingredients

12 large eggs¼ cup fat-free milk or water1 pinch salt1 pinch freshly ground black pepper1 teaspoon olive oil1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced1 medium summer squash, sliced3 cloves garlic, minced8 Campari tomatoes, halved2 tbsp pestoFresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions Nutrition info per serving: 225 calories, 11g carbohydrates, 2.8g fiber, 14g fat, 3.8g saturated fat, 16g protein RELATED: 10 Creative Ways to Enjoy Eggs for Every Meal

Avocado Toast With a Pesto Egg

Serves 1 Ingredients

1 slice 100 percent whole-grain bread⅓ avocadoLemon juice (optional)Salt and pepper to taste2 teaspoons pesto1 large egg

Directions Nutrition info per serving: 343 calories, 24g carbohydrates, 7.6g fiber, 22g fat, 4.3g saturated fat, 14g protein RELATED: 10 Healthy Recipe Ideas Featuring Avocado

Green With Envy Grain Bowl With a Basil Pesto Poached Egg

Serves 2 Ingredients

¾ cup quinoa, dry1½ cups fat-free, no-salt-added chicken or vegetable broth12 spears asparagus, trimmed of tough ends2 large eggs1 cup baby spinach½ avocado, sliced2 tablespoons pestoSalt and pepper to taste

Directions Nutrition info per serving: 507 calories, 51g carbohydrates, 10.3g fiber, 25g fat, 4.6g saturated fat, 23g protein RELATED: 10 New Ways to Enjoy Quinoa