Kale Pesto with Pine Nuts
Time for new kale appreciation with this easy vegan Kale Pesto. Very fresh and satisfying. And this vibrant green! Almost a green smoothie to spoon!
OK, I have a confession to make: I never really cared for kale. Now that it's out, it feels much better. I always thought kale was 'meh' at best. I know, I know, there are A LOT of people who love it: in smoothies, as chips, in stews...
It's also very healthy being one of the (if not the) nutrient densest foods around - loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Still, kale was never even close to being among my favorites. I'm sure everyone has those foods they can just barely stand. Don't you agree?
Anyways, I felt that I had to give kale another chance. I was thinking quite hard about how it would be easiest for me to enjoy this vegetable. What would I almost always love? Then it hit me: a pesto! That must do the trick! OK, kale, here is your last chance: you go in the blender, and you will be joined by toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Some salt and pepper to spice up things and then you all together take a nice ride and be a smooth pesto afterwards.
Said and done and the kale pesto did not disappoint. I really, really liked it: it tasted very fresh and satisfying. And this vibrant green! Almost a green smoothie to spoon! 🙂 The pesto is also super versatile.
I used it to make lovely little canapés with roasted eggplant and cherry tomatoes with them. Absolutely stunning. It makes me wonder if I should have given kale another chance much earlier. How do you like this kale pesto? Has it also happened to you that some meal completely changed your opinion about a food?
Kale Pesto
This kale pesto does not disappoint. Very fresh and satisfying. And this vibrant green! Almost a green smoothie to spoon! 🙂 The pesto is also super versatile. I used it to make lovely little canapés with roasted eggplant and cherry tomatoes with them.
Ingredients
- about 16 oz (450 g) kale
- 3 Tbs olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 handful fresh parsley
- ½ pine nuts (60 g)
- salt, pepper
- water to thin
Instructions
- Wash and chop the kale. Transfer to the bowl of a blender.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts. This will help giving the pesto a more intense flavor. Let cool a bit, then add to the kale.
- Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 0.25 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 242Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4.2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16.4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 253mgCarbohydrates: 2.8gFiber: 0.7gSugar: 0.4gProtein: 0.4g
I love the idea of using kale to make pesto, I bet it was fabulous
It definitely was, Heather. To my own surprise 😉
It's like lazer green!!! Haha! The greener the better though!
I am with you on the kale. And like you, I found a way to love it in pesto! I went on a whole pesto kick this summer, and now I have lots of yummy kale (and other greens!) pesto to last the whole winter! Yum!
Haha, that's cook Dee Dee. I wondered if I was the only one who didn't really love the stuff unconditionally! And awesome to see you had the same way of dealing with it! 🙂
I've been wanting to get on the good-for-you kale bandwagon, but I get ya - it usually doesn't do it for me. I'm loving this "sneaky" way to give kale new life, though!
And another one! So glad - I always thought I was the only one being a bit sceptical.
That color is so vibrant. Love it!!
Thanks, Brandon!
Never thought about using kale in pesto. Absolutely love the color! Will have to try that!
Thank you, Lorena!
oooh My! That looks amazing... Pesto?? yesss Kale new and must try!!!
I love this idea of using the kale and parsley. Sounds wonderful!
Never thought of using kale in a pesto before, looks good.
I know what you are saying about kale. I love the color you got with this recipe.
I'm finally getting a chance to catch up on your blog posts! I didn't like kale in the beginning either, but grew to love it. I love kale chips and also I like to add it to large pots of soup so it wilts some and you get that extra dose of nutrition without having to eat it straight! It's not something I really like in a salad, a bit too bitter! I laughed at what you said about saying to kale "here is your last chance" hahaha! You definitely succeeded because it's just gorgeous Florian! Beautiful, bright green color and stunning pictures. Makes you want to just dive into them!
You know, Brandi, I'm so glad I did this Kale Pesto recipe. First, because the recipe rocks. Second, because I'm relieved to read in the comments that I'm not the odd person who could not love kale at first sight/taste. 🙂 The kale in soup idea sounds neat, I might experiment with that. And, of course, thanks a lot for your comment, my friend!
I am one who loves kale, but worry not, I have plenty of dislikes that it seems everyone else likes. I've not made a pesto with kale...yet. Love how vibrantly green this is.
I love kale pesto but mine never comes out this green! I like how vibrant yours is, must be the parsley.
Right, the parsley surely adds this beautiful green to the pesto!
How much does this make (cups)?
Because I’m trying to make the kale pasta and it doesn’t say how much pesto to use just this recipe and I want to sub my own pesto I am just wondering how much to use
Thanks!! ☺️
Hi Maradith! You can expect 1 cup pesto. Hope that helps.