This kale pesto recipe offers a vibrant and nutritious twist on traditional pesto. Packed with kale and hemp seeds, it delivers a unique flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with whole grain pasta. Perfect for a quick yet wholesome meal.
If you’re unfamiliar with hemp seeds or flaxseed oil, these ingredients might not be in your pantry. Hemp seeds bring a nutty flavor and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is also high in omega-3s and adds a subtle earthy taste. Look for them in the health food section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients For Kale Pesto Recipe
Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green.
Hemp seeds: Nutty seeds rich in protein and omega-3s.
Lemon juice: Provides a tangy brightness.
Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
Ground pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
Red pepper flakes: For a touch of spicy heat.
Flaxseed oil: A healthy oil with a mild, nutty flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami-rich depth.
Whole grain pasta: Offers a hearty, nutrient-packed base for the pesto.
Pasta water: Used to help bind the sauce to the pasta.
One reader, Corbet Burris says:
This kale pesto recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are vibrant, and the hemp seeds add a delightful texture. It's a healthy twist on a classic, and the whole grain pasta pairs perfectly. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Making Kale Pesto
How to mince garlic: Use a food processor to finely chop the peeled garlic cloves until minced. How to process pesto: Add kale, hemp seeds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Drizzle in the oil while processing until the desired consistency is reached. How to cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve one cup of cooking liquid before draining. How to mix pasta with pesto: Let the pasta and pasta water cool for a minute, then transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and mix in the pesto with splashes of cooking water.
How To Make Kale Pesto
Enjoy a healthier pasta meal with this lip-smacking pesto recipe! Whip this up in just 10 minutes for a quick and tasteful sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pesto:
- 3garlic cloves
- 3cupskaleabout 1 small bunch
- ¾cuphemp seedsor toasted walnuts or pecans
- 2tbsplemon juice
- ¾tspfine-grain sea salt
- ¼tspground pepper
- red pepper flakesoptional
- ¼cupflaxseed oilor extra-virgin olive oil, more if desired
- ⅓cup Parmesan cheesegrated , optional
For Pasta (Optional):
- 1lbwhole grain pastalinguine
- 1cuppasta waterreserved
- salt
Instructions
-
In a food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves and process until the garlic is minced.
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Add the kale, hemp seeds, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
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Turn on the food processor and drizzle in the oil. Process until the pesto reaches desired consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
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Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve one cup cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
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Let the pasta and pasta water cool for a minute.
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Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and mix in pesto with splashes of cooking water.
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Serve, and enjoy!
You can thin out the pesto with more oil, but if you’re serving with pasta, keep in mind that you can also thin it out with reserved pasta cooking water.
Nutrition
- Calories: 5500.27kcal
- Fat: 348.58g
- Saturated Fat: 53.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 66.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 238.38g
- Carbohydrates: 422.49g
- Fiber: 68.98g
- Sugar: 5.55g
- Protein: 182.32g
- Cholesterol: 101.12mg
- Sodium: 3227.07mg
- Calcium: 2403.05mg
- Potassium: 3515.58mg
- Iron: 52.46mg
- Vitamin A: 548.60µg
- Vitamin C: 74.61mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Kale Pesto
For a smoother pesto, blanch the kale in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath. This will soften the kale and make it easier to blend, while also preserving its vibrant green color.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Kale Pesto
Pre-mince garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store in the fridge to save time.
Pre-wash kale: Wash and dry kale ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
Use pre-grated cheese: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to skip the grating step.
Cook pasta in advance: Cook and cool pasta ahead of time, then reheat with the pesto.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender can make the pesto smoother and faster than a food processor.
Substitute Ingredients For Kale Pesto Recipe
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the pesto.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach has a similar texture and a milder taste, making it a good alternative for those who find kale too bitter.
hemp seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar nutty flavor and texture, and are often more readily available.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic brightness to the pesto, though it has a slightly different citrus flavor.
fine-grain sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar saltiness and can be used in the same quantity.
ground pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the pesto.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar level of heat, though it is more finely ground.
flaxseed oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a common ingredient in pesto and provides a rich, smooth texture and flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, umami flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
whole grain pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that can add a fresh, light element to the dish.
pasta water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add additional flavor and moisture to the pesto sauce.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a salty, umami flavor, though it will also add a different taste profile to the dish.
Creative Ways to Present This Delicious Pesto
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the pasta in a delicate nest, ensuring each serving is a modest, refined portion that highlights the pesto.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprinkle of hemp seeds and a few red pepper flakes for a pop of color and texture.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few whole kale leaves artistically around the plate to emphasize the freshness of the kale pesto.
Add a touch of luxury: Shave some extra parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to cascade naturally over the pasta.
Create height: Stack the pasta slightly to create visual interest and dimension on the plate.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve on a dark-colored plate to make the vibrant green of the kale pesto stand out.
Drizzle with oil: Finish with a light drizzle of flaxseed oil around the edge of the plate for a glossy, elegant touch.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a few edible flowers to the plate for a sophisticated and colorful garnish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pesto
Food processor: Essential for mincing the garlic and blending the kale, hemp seeds, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oil into a smooth pesto.
Garlic peeler: Handy for quickly peeling the garlic cloves before mincing them in the food processor.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the kale, hemp seeds, and pasta water.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes precisely.
Large pot: Required for boiling the water and cooking the pasta until al dente.
Colander: Useful for draining the cooked pasta while reserving the cooking liquid.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the cooked pasta with the pesto and splashes of cooking water.
Spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the food processor and mixing the pesto with the pasta.
Serving bowl: Perfect for presenting the finished pasta dish with pesto.
Cheese grater: Needed if you are grating fresh parmesan cheese to add to the pesto.
Storing and Freezing Kale Pesto: A Guide
To store the kale pesto, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent oxidation and browning. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days.
If you plan to freeze the pesto, omit the parmesan cheese as it doesn't freeze well. Instead, add the cheese when you're ready to use the pesto.
Divide the pesto into smaller portions using ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need for future recipes.
If using ice cube trays, fill each compartment with pesto, then cover the tray with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours. Once frozen, pop out the pesto cubes and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and amount, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To use frozen pesto, thaw the required portion in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If using pesto cubes, you can add them directly to pasta, soups, or sauces while cooking, as the heat will defrost the pesto quickly.
When ready to use, stir in grated parmesan cheese to taste, and adjust the consistency with a little olive oil or pasta water if needed.
To maintain the best flavor and color, use frozen pesto within 6 months. After thawing, consume within 3-4 days and do not refreeze.
How To Reheat Leftover Kale Pesto
The best way to reheat leftover kale pesto is to place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the pesto is heated evenly without overheating or burning.
Another option is to reheat the pesto in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the pesto constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. If the pesto seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it up.
If you have leftover pasta with kale pesto, you can reheat them together in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water or pasta water to the skillet to help steam the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Stir the pasta and pesto together until they are heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, spread leftover kale pesto on a slice of bread and top it with your favorite sandwich fillings, such as tomato, mozzarella cheese, or grilled chicken. Place the sandwich in a panini press or grill pan and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
If you have a large amount of leftover pesto, consider freezing it in an ice cube tray. Once the pesto is frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to use the pesto, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator or microwave. This method allows you to easily portion out the pesto and use it as needed.
Fascinating Trivia About Kale Pesto
A random fact about this recipe is that kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Using hemp seeds in the pesto adds a boost of protein and healthy fats, making this dish not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
Is Making Kale Pesto at Home Cost-Effective?
This kale pesto recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like kale, garlic, and hemp seeds are affordable and readily available. Flaxseed oil and parmesan cheese might be slightly pricier, but their quantities are minimal. The optional whole grain pasta is also budget-friendly. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Considering the health benefits and the unique flavor profile, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is Kale Pesto Healthy or Unhealthy?
This kale pesto recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for a healthy meal. Here's why:
- Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber
- Hemp seeds provide a good source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and zinc
- Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart health
- Garlic has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and helps balance the flavors
- Whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
While this recipe is already quite healthy, here are a few suggestions to make it even more nutritious:
- Increase the amount of kale for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
- Swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast, which is a vegan alternative that provides B vitamins and a cheesy flavor
- Use a high-quality, cold-pressed flaxseed oil to ensure you're getting the most nutrients
- Add some cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and additional antioxidants
- Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and healthy fats
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Pesto Recipe
This kale pesto recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, offering a nutrient-dense alternative with hemp seeds and flaxseed oil. The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes adds a vibrant, zesty kick. The use of whole grain pasta complements the earthy flavors of the kale, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish. The reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky, cohesive sauce. Overall, it's a delightful, health-conscious option that doesn't compromise on taste.
Enhance Your Kale Pesto Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Traditional Kale Pesto
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Kale Pesto Perfectly
Why trust this Kale Pesto Recipe:
This kale pesto recipe is a nutritious twist on a classic, packed with hemp seeds for added protein and flaxseed oil for healthy fats. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while the parmesan cheese provides a savory depth. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a quick, wholesome meal. The use of whole grain pasta ensures you're getting a fiber-rich base. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and health benefits, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
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