Best 3 Kickin Kale Pesto Recipes

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Kickin' Kale Pesto is a vibrant, flavorful, and spicy sauce that adds a delightful kick to any dish. Whether you're looking to spice up your favorite pasta, add a zesty touch to your grilled vegetables, or create a delicious dip for your next gathering, this pesto is the perfect choice. Made with a combination of fresh kale, spicy peppers, herbs, and nuts, this versatile pesto brings a unique and unforgettable taste to any culinary creation.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SUPER KALE PESTO



Super Kale Pesto image

This kale pesto recipe is made with Omega 3-rich hemp seeds and flaxseed oil. Ready in under 10 minutes! For a more pantry-friendly option, use walnuts/pecans instead of hemp seeds and/or olive oil for the flaxseed oil (it's just as tasty). Recipe yields about 1 1/4 cups pesto.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Entree

Time 13m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 to 3 cloves garlic
3 cups packed kale (about 1 small bunch)
3/4 cup hemp seeds or toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Red pepper flakes, optional (if you want to add some kick)
1/4 cup flaxseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil (more if desired)
Entirely optional: 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound (16 ounces) whole grain pasta, like linguine
1 cup reserved pasta water

Steps:

  • Make the pesto: In a food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves and process until the garlic is minced. Add the kale, hemp seeds, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Turn on the food processor and drizzle in the oil. Process until the pesto reaches your desired consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Taste and add more lemon, salt or pepper if necessary. (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.)
  • Cook the pasta (optional): Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve one cup cooking liquid before draining the pasta. Let the pasta and pasta water cool for a minute to make sure the high heat doesn't damage the flax oil pesto.
  • If you intend to have leftovers, transfer the amount of pasta you think you'll be eating immediately to a serving bowl and mix in pesto with splashes of cooking water. Otherwise, you can mix the pasta and pesto together in your cooking pot, adding splashes of cooking water as necessary. Keep in mind that you have diluted the flavor a bit with the cooking water, so taste and add more lemon, salt or a drizzle of olive oil as necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440 calories, Sugar 2.2 g, Sodium 372.3 mg, Fat 22.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 17.1 g, Cholesterol 4 mg

KICKIN' KALE PESTO



Kickin' Kale Pesto image

This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh kale! This vibrant, spicy addition to pasta or just over fresh bread has a delicious kick!

Provided by The Gruntled Gourmand

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch lacinato (dinosaur) kale, stems removed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pine nuts
¼ cup habanero-infused extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
2 pinches freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch kosher salt

Steps:

  • Blend kale, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and kosher salt together in a food processor until mixture has a pesto consistency, 30 to 60 seconds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Cholesterol 3.5 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 133 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

KICKIN' KALE PESTO



Kickin' Kale Pesto image

This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh kale! This vibrant, spicy addition to pasta or just over fresh bread has a delicious kick!

Provided by The Gruntled Gourmand

Categories     Sauces

Time 10m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch lacinato (dinosaur) kale, stems removed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pine nuts
¼ cup habanero-infused extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
2 pinches freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch kosher salt

Steps:

  • Blend kale, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and kosher salt together in a food processor until mixture has a pesto consistency, 30 to 60 seconds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Cholesterol 3.5 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 133 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, tender kale. This will give your pesto the best flavor and texture.
  • Wash the kale thoroughly before using it. This will remove any dirt or debris.
  • Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves before using them. This will make your pesto smoother.
  • Use a variety of nuts and seeds in your pesto. This will add flavor and texture.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in your pesto. This is a great way to create your own unique flavor combinations.
  • Pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or grilled vegetables. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
  • Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Kale pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. The best part is that it is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy way to add some flavor to your meal, give kale pesto a try.

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