Vegan Kale Pesto
My family has been putting this easy Vegan Kale Pesto on just about everything since I first made it. In only 5 minutes, fresh kale, basil, and garlic blend into a vibrant and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Servings: 4
Calories: 95kcal
Equipment
- blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed kale , I like baby kale for a softer flavor
- 2 cups packed basil
- ½ cup vegan Parmesan cheese , make my recipe or use store bought
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼- ½ cup veggie broth , low sodium if needed (see note)
- Drizzle of olive oil see note
- ½ teaspoon sea salt , optional, you may not need this if you make my Parmesan recipe so taste first
Instructions
- Place ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until pureed. Blend all the way for super smooth, or pulse for a more textured result.
- Serve over pasta or any other meal
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making my Vegan Kale Pesto is to start with the freshest greens I can find. I have noticed that when the kale is fresh and crisp, the pesto tastes brighter and smoother. If the kale feels a little tough, I take a minute to pull off the stems before blending. I learned this after rushing through a batch with older kale from the back of the fridge, and the pesto came out more bitter than usual. Now I always take the time to choose fresh bunches, and the flavor is so much better that even the kids notice.
- Taste and adjust: I give the pesto a quick taste after blending and add more garlic, basil, or vegan Parmesan if I want a stronger flavor.
- Add liquid slowly: I pour in the veggie broth or oil a little at a time so I can control the thickness of the pesto.
- Toast the garlic for a milder flavor: If I want less bite, I lightly sauté the garlic before blending.
- Double the batch: I often make extra and store it in the freezer in small containers or ice cube trays for quick portions later.
- Keep the color bright: I blend the pesto just long enough to combine everything, so the greens stay vibrant and fresh looking.
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3980IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 6mg