7 Clean, 5-Ingredient Sauces That Are Perfect Alternatives To Tomato Sauce

Just about everyone loves tomato sauce. But that doesn't mean you should squeeze the stuff on anything and everything. Seriously, it's in your best interest to branch out, people. Not only is the beloved burger topper loaded with sugar, after a while the flavour becomes plain boring. Plus, shaking things up isn't complicated or time-consuming, so why not?!

Each of these simple sauce recipes is made with five ingredients or fewer (not counting olive oil or salt), and each one is endlessly versatile. Make a big batch, and spoon your favourite on meats, veggies and tofu dishes all week long.

Photograph courtesy of Nutritionist Meets Chef

Parsley Almond Pesto

Classic basil and pine nut pestos have a distinct flavour that practically screams for pasta and tomatoes. But pesto made with other herb and nut combos are more versatile. This parsley almond variation from Petra of Nutritionist Meets Chef is bright and fresh and tastes delicious on everything from grilled veggies, chicken and fish to scrambled eggs.

Photograph courtesy of Live Eat Learn

Creamy Tzatziki

Greek tzatziki, or yogurt sauce, is good for more than just Mediterranean food. Live Eat Learn's easy version is made with thick Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, garlic and plenty of dill. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce that's delicious as a sandwich spread, veggie dip or dolloped on a baked potato. You could also thin it out with a little water and enjoy as a cleaner alternative to ranch dressing.

Photograph courtesy of Heartbeet Kitchen

Garlic Beet Sauce

Thanks to the addition of grated beetroot, this sauce has an eye-popping colour and a serious dose of antioxidants. Heartbeet Kitchen balances out the sweet, earthiness of the root veggie by blending them with crème fraiche, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Try drizzling the sauce over veggie and grain bowls. (Like these 7 protein-packed veggie bowls that will keep you full for hours.)

Photograph courtesy of Foodie Crush

Simple Roasted Tomato Sauce

With a recipe this easy, you'll never need to resort to the jarred stuff again. Heidi of Foodie Crush slow-roasts whole tomatoes to boost their natural sweetness then blends them with garlic, olive oil and basil. The finished product is fantastic on pasta (obviously), but it's also yummy spooned over grilled chicken or veggie kebabs, swirled into polenta, or on homemade pizza. (Psst! Don't miss these 6 ways to make Italian food flat belly-friendly.,/a>)

Photograph courtesy of Little Bits Of

Curry Almond Coconut Sauce

If you've got a nut or seed butter, then you've got the makings for a fast, creamy sauce that's packed with protein. For a flavour punch, Kelsey of Little Bits Of suggests whisking almond butter with coconut milk, curry powder and garlic powder. Drizzle it over tofu or rice bowls, smear it on wraps or sandwiches, or even toss it with shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, grilled chicken and sesame seeds to make a hearty Asian-inspired slaw.

Photograph courtesy of B. Britnell

Butternut Pumpkin Sauce

B. Britnell uses this creamy puree—made with roasted pumpkin, garlic, almond milk and sage—as a topper for spaghetti. But the sweet-savoury flavour plays well with other ingredients, too: Serve it with pork chops, use it as a spread for turkey sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.

Photograph courtesy of Simple Vegan Blog

Vegan Aioli

Rich and velvety, aioli is a no-brainer for steamed veggies, roasted potato wedges or sandwiches. And surprise—it can actually be good for you. Just use pureed cashews in place of the usual canola oil, says Alberto of Simple Vegan Blog. You'll end up with a creamy mayo alternative that serves up a shot of protein and fibre, along with nutrients like iron and magnesium.