Looking for a delicious way to elevate your pesto game? This vibrant kale pesto recipe swaps out traditional basil for curly kale, giving it a healthy boost of green goodness.
Plus, the addition of macadamia nuts makes it rich in healthy fats, creating a versatile sauce that's perfect for pasta, grain bowls, or even as a salad dressing or spread on crackers.
A way to win me over is to give me homemade gifts.
Now I’m not talking paddlepop/glue creations, I mean the edible kind.
This kale pesto with macadamias is an edible gift that won my heart when I received it.
So much so that I had to recreate it so I could share it here.
Why make this recipe?
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh kale.
- Healthy fats: The macadamia nuts provide a creamy, rich texture while offering plenty of healthy fats.
- Fresh and bright: The lemon juice and garlic give this pesto a zingy, fresh flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch, store in airtight containers, and have pesto on hand for quick meals all week.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice - optional but adds a little extra zing
- Macadamia nuts - roasted
- Fresh garlic - crushed. Or use minced garlic in a jar.
- Parmesan - grated
- Fresh kale - use curly kale or the Tuscan variety
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil - extra virgin olive oil preferably
- Salt - we use Celtic sea salt
Storage
This kale pesto is so easy to make in bulk.
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or even freeze it in ice cube trays for individual servings.
It will keep its vibrant color and fresh flavors, so you can have it ready whenever you need a quick, nutritious boost.
Just thaw in the fridge and stir through some al dente pasta for a speedy dinner!
Serving
A few ideas to use this pesto:
- Stir it through some al dente pasta for a speedy dinner.
- Smother a chicken breast in it and bake it in the oven for pesto chicken.
- Add to roasted veggies.
- Eat is as is on crackers.
It’s seriously versatile and even the kids love it which means I can sneak a vege into them.
I haven’t done it yet but it would also be delicious stirred through hommus to make hommus pesto. Ok now I have to make another batch. Enjoy!
What about you? What’s your favourite way to use pesto?
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Recipe
Recipe
Basil and kale pesto
Ingredients
- 40 g ¼ cup roasted macadamia nuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 25 g 2 tablespoon grana padano (or parmesan cheese), grated - or use nutritional yeast for dairy free
- 2 cups curly kale leaves or lacinato kale
- 1-2 cups basil leaves to taste
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt
- Lemon juice - optional to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing the kale well and removing the tough stems.
- Add the kale leaves to your food processor along with the macadamia nuts, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and lemon juice if using.
- Pulse the ingredients together until they form a rough paste. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow stream, processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a little water or some pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add the grana padano (or parmesan cheese), nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Pulse again until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little more olive oil for creaminess or extra lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve the macadamia nut pesto with your favourite hot pasta, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or even a grain salad. It's a versatile sauce that works beautifully in many dishes!
monica says
This recipe looked so good but didn't have basil leaves so improvised with extra cup of kale 1 cup spinach and a few mint leaves. Had it on roasted potatoes with goat cheese plus grilled chicken and brussel sprouts. Crazy delicious superfood meal. Will have to try the original recipe some time soon.
Claire says
Ooh that's a great idea Monica. I love changing up the herbs!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
The color of this is just amazing. Just the bright spot that I need right now in the middle of winter! And I agree, nothing beats a homemade gift!
Claire says
It's really bright isn't it? Green green green!
Hotly Spiced says
What a brilliantly green pesto and it's good that Ollie is enjoying it. I do love making my own pesto and often we use it just to swirl through some pasta for a quick, easy but tasty meal xx
Claire says
It's a pretty green isn't it?! Oh yes I would put this through pasta too. x
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
The colour is beautiful. I'd like this pesto on a puff pastry tart filled with caramelized onions, feta and semi-dried tomatoes. (You DID ask :) )
Claire says
Well now I need to make some more so I can test out your idea!
Elizabeth says
Don't you just love the versatility of pesto... I love trying all different types of nut... my fav are almonds and cashews... And I love kale... it is so easy to grow and is very versatile! Thanks for sharing! Liz
Claire says
It is easy to grow but unfortunately for me the caterpillars love it!