This Kale Pesto may become your new favorite go-to recipe for pasta, pizza, and sandwiches!
And because we're using simple ingredients like walnuts, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese, you're already likely going to have everything in your pantry.
No kale on hand? Try our parsley pesto, which is also fabulous.
Why This Pesto Recipe Works
EASY TO MAKE - You'll love how simple this recipe is. Just a few ingredients and a blender, and you're all set.
SUPER HEALTHY - Kale is packed with good stuff for your body, making this pesto not just tasty but really good for you.
GOES WITH EVERYTHING - You can spread it on sandwiches, mix it with pasta, or use it as a dip. It's super versatile.
Ingredient Notes
KALE - This green leafy veggie is not just for salads; it makes your pesto colorful and full of vitamins.
GARLIC - Just one clove adds a big burst of flavor. If you're not a fan of the strong garlic taste, try roasting it first.
WALNUTS - These nuts give a nice crunch and a yummy nutty taste. You can even toast them a bit for extra flavor.
PARMESAN - This cheese adds a really nice cheesy, salty taste that makes everything taste better.
OLIVE OIL - This makes your pesto smooth and brings all the flavors together nicely.
LEMON - A squeeze of lemon juice makes your pesto a bit tangy and super fresh-tasting.
How to Make Kale Pesto
- Start by washing your kale and drying it well. Then, tear it into smaller pieces that'll be easy to blend.
- Throw the kale, walnuts, a peeled garlic clove, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice into your blender. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, too.
- Blend everything up until it looks smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets mixed in.
- Give it a taste and see if you want to add anything more, like lemon juice or salt.
Leftovers
STORE - Keep it in the fridge in a container with a lid for about a week. Don't forget to cover the top with olive oil to keep it fresh.
FREEZE - You can freeze it in ice cube trays and pop the cubes into a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need whenever you need it.
How To Store Kale Pesto
And if you're a fan of meal prep, you're going to love this recipe. Once made, store the pesto in an air-tight container like this one.
Serving Suggestions
WITH PASTA - Mix it into your favorite pasta for a quick and yummy meal.
ON TOAST - Spread it on some toasted bread and top with tomatoes for a snack.
IN YOUR BREAKFAST - Add a spoonful to your eggs in the morning for a tasty start to your day.
How Long Does Pesto Last
The pesto should last in your fridge for about 7 days. Another advantage of making pesto is that it also freezes very well.
You should have no problem freezing the pesto cubes for 6-8 months.
Tip: If you plan to freeze the kale, pour the pesto into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezable ziplock bag.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes
Kale Pesto
Instructions
- Wash, and dry the kale. and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Add kale, walnuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Jamie Wilson-Houghtalen
This kale pesto was delicious and came together in just minutes!
Scarlet
I absolutely love trying different versions of pesto. I have never tried kale pesto but I want to now!
Maike
Kale pesto is delicious. I'm obsessed with all things kale. You can also try different types of kale (kurly kale, lacinato kale, Russian kale ...).