Kale Pesto Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
178 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Kale Pesto Recipe
Description
The Kale Pesto recipe starts by roasting walnuts to enhance their flavor before processing them with fresh garlic into a coarse mixture. Adding kale leaves removed from the stem along with spinach or optionally basil creates a layered green base blended with lemon juice and salt for brightness and balance. Parmesan cheese brings a rich umami note, while extra virgin olive oil smooths the sauce to a creamy consistency.
This pesto has a dense, slightly coarse texture due to the kale and toasted nuts, complemented by the fresh tang of lemon and the sharpness of Parmesan. It can be used in place of traditional pesto on pasta, as a spread on crusty bread, or for dipping, providing a flavorful way to incorporate leafy greens.
Adjust seasoning and olive oil to achieve your preferred balance of thickness and tang. Choosing a high-quality olive oil enhances the pesto's flavor significantly. The recipe encourages tasting as you blend to customize salt and acidity levels.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups kale removed from stem, torn leaves
- 1 cup spinach use what you have handy!, or basil, fresh
- ½ tsp salt plus extra to taste
- 1 lemon approx. 2 TBSP lemon juice, juiced
- 1/3-1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese to taste, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- First toast your walnuts! Heat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F and spread walnuts, spaced on a baking sheet. Roast for 5 to 10 minutes, shaking/tossing the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add walnuts and garlic to your food processor. Pulse until both are minced.
- Next add kale, spinach (or basil), salt, juice of one lemon, and optional parmesan cheese. Blend well, adding the olive oil through the top of the processor towards the very end and gently blending to incorporate.
- Since everyone's perfect pesto varies, feel free to adjust seasoning to taste as well as the liquid to veggie ratio, an extra drizzle or two of olive oil can thin the sauce as desired. I usually snag a piece of crusty bread and dunk as I taste test, it's glorious!
Notes
- Use a high-quality, flavorful olive oil to enhance the pesto's taste.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Try kale pesto on crusty bread or as a versatile sauce for pasta and vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 178 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 178kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 296mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 183mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2745IU | 55% |
| Vitamin C | 38mg | 42% |
| Calcium | 116mg | 12% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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