Kale Pesto is a new twist on traditional basil pesto, offering a fresh and earthy flavor that’s perfect for a variety of dishes! Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, kale adds a healthy boost to this versatile sauce!

Kale pesto served in a white bowl with a golden spoon.
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Remove the stems! Be sure to use just the kale leaves here, and remove the thick stems.
  • Store your kale pesto in the fridge with a layer of olive oil on the top. It will keep in the fridge like this covered for up to 5 days!
  • Experiment with different nuts! Pine nuts are traditional in pesto, but walnuts are an excellent alternative that add a different flavor profile. Toast the nuts for extra depth of flavor. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seeds or hemp hearts!
  • Adjust the consistency as you prefer. For a thicker pesto, use less olive oil. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more olive oil, a splash of water, or some extra lemon juice. If you add extra lemon, you might have to add a pinch of salt!
  • Add extra lemon juice for brightness! Lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps to preserve the vibrant green color of the pesto.
Kelley

Ingredients Needed

  • Kale: Kale serves as the base of this pesto recipe!
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will add a depth of savory flavor.
  • Lemon: To balance out the flavors and brighten things up!
  • Walnuts: Walnuts go great here, but you can use pine nuts like you would in traditional pesto. For a nut free pesto, omit the walnuts or add sunflower seeds instead!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty flavor!
  • Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best results.

How to Make Kale Pesto

  1. Add the Ingredients to a Food Processor: Add all of the ingredients to a food processor with the blade attachment.
Ingredients for kale pesto in a food processor before being blended.
  1. Blend: Blend for 30-60 seconds. If the mixture is too thick or not blending, add more olive oil.
  2. Serve & Enjoy: Serve in a bowl topped with a drizzle of olive oil and more parmesan cheese for garnish!
Kale pesto in the food processor after being blended.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pasta: Toss this pesto with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious meal. This would be amazing with homemade pasta! Or, use it in risotto! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and flavor!
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread kale pesto on bread or wraps for a flavorful base. This would be fantastic on my Italian Grilled Cheese or my Turkey Burger!
  • Salads: Use kale pesto as a dressing or mix it with a bit of yogurt or mayo for a creamy salad dressing. This would be fantastic on my Italian Chopped Salad or my Chickpea Salad!
  • Dip: Serve as a dip with fresh vegetables, crackers, or garlic knots.
Kale pesto served in a bowl with a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make kale pesto vegan?

Definitely! You can omit the parmesan cheese and add in nutritional yeast instead for a vegan pesto sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender instead! Just be sure not to over blend. I also recommend stopping periodically to scrape down the sides of the blender and make sure everything is getting blended evenly.

Can I use other greens besides kale?

Yes! You can substitute the kale here with spinach, arugula or even a mix of greens. You can also add basil here for and added herby flavor.

Kale pesto drizzled with olive oil in a bowl.

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    Recipe

    Kale Pesto

    Kale Pesto is a new twist on traditional basil pesto, offering a fresh and earthy flavor that's perfect for a variety of dishes! Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, kale adds a healthy boost to this versatile sauce. Whether you're looking to add a punch of flavor to your pasta, sandwiches, or salads, kale pesto is a wonderful option!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Serves 6 1 1/2 cups
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 3 cups kale
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 3/4 cup walnuts
    • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
    • 1/2 cup olive oil, or more as needed

    Instructions

    • Add all of the ingredients to a food processor with the blade attachment.
    • Blend for 30-60 seconds. If the mixture is too thick / not blending add more olive oil.
    • Serve in a bowl topped with a drizzle of olive oil and more parmesan cheese for garnish!
      Store in the fridge with a layer of olive oil on the top. It will keep in the fridge like this covered for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 73mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1088IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg

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