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    Kale Pesto

    Published: October 28, 2015 By Urban Foodie Kitchen Last Updated: April 25, 2022 4 Comments

    45 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Kale pesto makes a great, healthy base for many different dishes.  Everything from pasta to pizza to sandwiches works with this pesto!

    Kale pesto

    So, I have a confession to make - I don't really like kale all that much.  I've had a few good kale salads but have also had my share of those that were not so good.  I know it's a "superfood" and since I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more veggies into my diet and eat healthier, kale seems like a natural choice. I'm a fan of basil and other types of pesto, so I decided I'd give it a try with kale. Turns out, kale is just better when it's put in a food processor…at least in my opinion!

    Like most of you, I have a busy life so having some easy "go-to" meals and ingredients is super key when time is short. For me, pesto is one of those "go-to" ingredients as there are so many things you can do with it.  Like other pestos, this kale version is a great way to add some flavor or interest to a dish.  

    Serving Suggestions

    You can use it in pasta, like this Kale Pesto pasta dish or you could make these Twice Baked Potatoes, which are one of my new favorites for a side dish or light dinner.  You can even use it on pizza, like this Mini Skillet Pizza. Really you can use it with just bout anything that sounds good to you.

    Kale Pesto

    Another really quick option for lunch or dinner using this pesto is to mix about a tablespoon with ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, then add the mayo to shredded or chopped, cooked chicken. Add the chicken salad to a bed of lettuce for a quick salad or make it into a sandwich. Dinner in a flash!


    Kale Pesto in a small glass dish

    Kale Pesto Recipe

    Author: Kathryn | Urban Foodie Kitchen
    Kale pesto makes a great, healthy base for many different dishes.  Everything from pasta to pizza to sandwiches works with this pesto!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Veggies & Sides
    Cuisine Continental
    Servings 1.25 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup grated asiago cheese
    • 1 clove garlic
    • ⅓ cup pine nuts
    • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
    • Dash salt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 4-5 ounces kale leaves, about 1 bunch
    • ⅓ cup olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the kale leaves from the stems and tear into pieces (this makes it easier to get into your food processor).
    • Add cheese, garlic, pine nuts, pepper and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3-4 times. Add the lemon juice and as much kale as will fit into your food processor, and pulse several times to combine. Continue this process until all the kale has been added, then continue to pulse until a coarse mixture has formed.
    • With the motor running, pour in the olive oil and continue to process until fully blended. The pesto will be rather thick.
    • Add to your favorite dish or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

    Video

    Notes

    Pesto can be frozen, either in an airtight container, or if you prefer to have individual servings you can divide into an ice tray and then freeze.
    Keywords : kale, pesto
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @urbanfoodiekitchen on Instagram or hashtag it #urbanfoodiekitchen
     
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    45 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. peter @feedyoursoultoo says

      February 24, 2016 at 11:56 am

      I am a huge pesto fan but have not tried it with kale yet. I need to do that. Thx for the inspiration.

      Reply
      • FoodieGirlChicago says

        March 02, 2016 at 8:25 pm

        You're welcome Peter. Definitely give it a try; I've been adding it to all kinds of different things!

        Reply
      • FoodieGirlChicago says

        March 19, 2016 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Peter! Definitely give it a try with kale; I almost like it better than traditional basil.

        Reply
    2. Jessica {Swanky Recipes} says

      February 24, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Love kale pesto. Made my first batch last December and it turned out great. I'd love to add some asiago cheese I have!

      Reply

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