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    Home » Condiment » Kale Pesto

    Published: Jan 18, 2016 · Modified: Jun 9, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

    Kale Pesto

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    Kale Pesto with toasted walnuts and balsamic vinegar makes the perfect sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and pizza | cookingwithcurls.com

    Are you over caffeinated yet? Today we are going to take a break from all of my crazy espresso based recipes and try something healthy. The fact that it is January, and the official start to everyone's diet did not escape me...I just wasn't ready. You know me, I have to do things at my own pace.....

    Kale Pesto with toasted walnuts and balsamic vinegar makes the perfect sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and pizza | cookingwithcurls.com

    Kind of like the whole "kale phenomenon" that has taken the planet by storm. When I see a bunch of curly, leafy kale greens, my brain thinks "salad bar"!! Kale is what the bus boys put between the crocks to cover the ice, lol.

    I did try my hand at Kale Chips a couple of years ago {and didn't die} so I decided it was time to try out Kale Pesto. I was fascinated by the concept of turning what most would consider a bitter green into a delicious sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas. So I bought a bunch of organic kale at the grocery store.

    How to make Kale Pesto

    Rinse and dry the kale, then use a knife to remove the stem/spine that runs down the center.....

    Kale Pesto spine cookingwithcurls.com

    It's really easy to do, then just roughly chop your kale leaves and toss them into the bowl of a food processor...along with all of the other ingredients.....

    Kale Pesto process cookingwithcurls.com

    So, so simple! Now PULSE to combine and pulverize into a delicious pesto.....

    Kale Pesto with toasted walnuts and balsamic vinegar cookingwithcurls.com

    Season with sea salt and ground pepper to taste and you're ready to make a delicious Kale Pesto Mac and Cheese.....

    Kale Pesto Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and Feta cheese | cookingwithcurls.com

    or this insanely delicious Shrimp Pesto Pizza.....

    Shrimp Pesto Pizza topped with kale pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, feta and mozzarella cheese on a homemade crust | cookingwithcurls.com

    Who knew that salad bar garnish could be so tasty? Apparently everyone else but me! 😉

    Quick Tip: If your Kale Pesto appears to be too thick or chunky, simply add a couple of Tablespoons of water to thin it out.

    On a side note, there seems to be some kind of crazy vortex or poltergeist controlling my house! My phone only works in certain spots, IPads only work outside in the driveway, and my camera refuses to take clear images!! I was hoping to improve my photography skills, but this house seems to have other plans! I may need to look into exorcisms or maybe some ghost busters before I loose my mind...even  more than I already have, LOL

    Enjoy!!

    Kale Pesto with toasted walnuts and balsamic vinegar makes the perfect sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and pizza | cookingwithcurls.com

    Kale Pesto

    This Kale Pesto recipe with toasted walnuts and balsamic vinegar makes the perfect sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and pizza.
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    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: kale, pesto, recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 Servings
    Calories: 131kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch chopped kale leaves about 12 ounces (stems/spine removed)
    • 2 large cloves garlic smashed
    • ⅓ cup toasted walnuts
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup olive oil
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    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor.
    • Pulse to combine.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    If your Kale Pesto appears to be too thick or chunky, simply add a couple of Tablespoons of water to thin it out.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1677IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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