Easy Kale Pesto Recipe

Common Questions

Does Kale Make Good Pesto?

Yes! Kale makes some of the best pesto. When blended correctly with the right ingredients, the flavors pair together perfectly!

How do You Fix Bitter Kale in Pesto?

If the kale in your pesto tastes bitter, there’s an easy fix for the future: It’s important to marinate and even lightly massage olive oil, salt, and pepper into the kale before blending with other ingredients. If it’s too late and you need to fix the bitter taste in your already-made kale pesto, simply add more basil, parmesan, and pine nuts (along with a little bit more of the oil) to balance out the taste.

What does kale pesto taste like?

Kale pesto has a fresh, earthy flavor with a little bit of a peppery bite—kind of like traditional basil pesto, but a bit greener and bolder. It’s creamy, garlicky, and super savory thanks to the parmesan and olive oil, with just the right hint of nuttiness from pine nuts or walnuts. It’s seriously SO good on everything from pasta to roasted veggies and sandwiches. If you’re used to basil pesto, kale pesto is a fun twist that feels a little more hearty and wholesome—but still absolutely delicious!

This easy Kale Pesto recipe has been my go-to healthier pesto for YEARS! I love adding it to pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and just about everything. It’s cream, has that signature garlicky parmesan flavor, and made with better-for-you ingredients. And as a busy mom of 3, I love that it comes together in just 5 minutes! Make a big batch and have it on hand for delicious meals all week long.

Hidden veggie recipes have been a MUST in our home lately, especially with 3 picky littles running around. So adding this kale pesto to pizza and pasta has been such a game-changer!

And as a big fan of pesto, I love that this one has added nutrition while still keeping that classic basil pesto flavor that we all know and love. Just lightly marinate the kale (optional, but helps so much), blend everything together, and done. If you’ve been looking for the best kale pesto recipe, you’ll LOVE how easy this one is!

You’ll Also Love: 5-Minute Healthy Spinach Basil Pesto

Kale Pesto Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Chopped Kale – Freshly chopped kale leaves work best for kale pesto.

Olive Oil – Using extra virgin olive oil (opens in a new tab) in pesto recipes adds so much flavor! You can use other oils, but the flavor of olive oil really is best for this recipe.

Fresh Basil – The base of pesto recipes everywhere! Fresh basil adds that delicious summery flavor that we all love in pesto. Want even more of it? Feel free to swap out some of the kale for more basil, if desired.

Minced Garlic – Minced garlic is sooooo good in this Kale Pesto recipe. Another substitution option is to use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, instead!

Pine Nuts – Pine nuts (opens in a new tab) are another staple in pesto recipes. I love the earthy flavor that they add! If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, feel free to swap out the same amount of chopped walnuts or almonds.

Parmesan Cheese – The grated parmesan adds a creamy, cheesy texture and flavor that you won’t want to miss! Mozzarella is another great substitution. You can also easily make this pesto vegan by using vegan parmesan, (opens in a new tab) instead!

Lemon Juice – The lemon juice in this recipe brings all of the flavors together and adds a touch of tangy flavor!

Optional: Add a little bit of nutritional yeast (1-3 teaspoons) to this recipe for an extra cheesy flavor and added nutrition!

How to Make Kale Pesto (5-Minute Recipe)

It really doesn’t get any easier than this! Here’s how to make Kale Pesto in just 5 minutes:

1. Marinate the kale in olive oil, salt, and pepper (about 20 minutes).
2. Pulse blend in a food processor (opens in a new tab) with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, grated parmesan, and lemon juice.
3. Add more salt and pepper to taste!

TIP: Blend the pesto into a texture that’s somewhere between finely minced and pureed. You may not want to overly puree your pesto!

Adding Kale Pesto to Pasta

One of the best ways to enjoy Kale Pesto is to add it to pasta! After cooking and draining your pasta, add the kale pesto to the saucepan to warm it up over medium heat. Add the pasta back in, mix, and enjoy!

Pesto can also be enjoyed cold on pasta, sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads, as a dip, on toast, or really on anything you like. Pair pesto sauce with tomatoes for a burst of summer flavors!

How to Store Kale Basil Pesto

Kale Pesto sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days!

Can You Freeze Kale Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze Kale Pesto! Simply place it in an airtight container or small mason jar, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it out in the refrigerator the night before.

TIP: You can also freeze Kale Pesto in an ice tray (opens in a new tab) to make pesto ice cubes! Once frozen, place the cubes in an airtight container and thaw out one serving at a time when needed.

Kale Pesto FAQs

How to Use Kale Pesto

• Pesto Goat Cheese Individual Pizzas
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
• Chicken Tomato Pesto Burrata Pasta
• Baked Spinach Chicken Meatballs
• Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
• Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

More Wholesome Kale Recipes

• Skillet Sweet Potato Hash with Kale
• 10-Minute Mediterranean Farro Salad
• Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Kale Quinoa Curry Salad w/ Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole
• Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad

Did you make this kale pesto recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons! (opens in a new tab)