Kale Pesto Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
1 cup pesto
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Calories
217 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Kale Pesto Sauce Recipe
Description
This pesto recipe starts by pulsing kale leaves, fresh basil, walnuts (or pine nuts), nutritional yeast, cider vinegar, and sea salt in a food processor until finely chopped. The choice between nutritional yeast with cider vinegar or parmesan cheese affects the flavor and fat content, with cheese giving a richer profile. Oil is then streamed in gradually to adjust thickness, creating a sauce ranging from thick to more fluid depending on preference.
The pesto has a fresh, herbaceous quality from the basil and kale, complemented by the nuttiness of walnuts and the umami depth from nutritional yeast or parmesan. The cider vinegar adds brightness to balance the oil’s richness. The texture can be controlled by adding more or less avocado or olive oil.
This versatile sauce pairs well with cooked pasta, as a spread on bread, or as a condiment. It provides a flavorful alternative to traditional basil pesto and incorporates kale’s earthy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale leaves tightly packed
- 2 cups basil fresh
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt to taste, sea salt
- 1/2 cup to 1 cup avocado oil or olive oil**
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except oil to a food processor and pulse until chopped.
- Once chopped, turn the food processor on and stream the oil through the opening in the top. I like my pesto sauce thick, but you can add more oil to your personal taste.
- Continue processing until desired texture is reached. Taste pesto for flavor and add more sea salt or nutritional yeast.
Notes
- To make a dairy version, replace nutritional yeast and cider vinegar with 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and increase the oil to 2/3 or 1 cup for a creamy consistency.
- Use avocado or olive oil for blending; more oil produces a thinner, saucier pesto.
- Adjust salt and nutritional yeast to taste after blending to get desired flavor balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1cup pesto
Amount Per Serving
Calories 217 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2Tbsp | |
| Calories | 217kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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