Toasted pine nuts, quality Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice bring out the best of kale’s deep, earthy flavors in this Kale Parsley Pesto.
Can I admit something to you guys?
I rely on frozen pesto a lot.
Like when it’s 5pm and I’ve got two hungry toddlers and not planned a thing for dinner.
Frozen pesto!
Or when I’m solo parenting and need to keep things sweet and simple.
You guessed it! Frozen pesto.
Heck — when I just don’t feel like dirtying multiple pans and want dinner done and over with in 30 minutes.
Frozen pesto to the rescue!
As you can see, homemade pesto is a staple in our house. I always make enough for at least two dinners and freeze a portion for those, uh emergency situations.
This quick Kale Parsley Pesto is one the tastiest ways to use up leftover parsley — or cilantro, or basil, or even mint. You know, like when you buy a whole bunch for a recipe that calls for two tablespoons? #petpeeve If you’ve got loads of extra parsley, make my favorite Mediterranean Quinoa Salad while you’re at it!
As for the kale, bagged or bunch makes no matter. When I’m tight on time, I use bagged since it’s already washed and chopped. I just tear out the thick stems before tossing it in the food processor.
This pesto is great on pasta, stirred into risotto (made in the Instant Pot!), or spooned on top of sautéed veggies or baked fish.
Grab your kale (wilted works too!) and whatever other fresh herbs you’ve got –– parsley, basil, cilantro or mint –– and give it a whirl.
Kale Parsley Pesto
Toasted pine nuts, quality Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice bring out the best of kale’s deep, earthy flavors in this quick Kale Parsley Pesto.
- Prep Time:
15 minutes - Total Time:
15 minutes - Makes:
2 cups 1x
15 minutes
15 minutes
2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 8 cups coarsely chopped kale, no stems (about 4 ounces)
- 2 cups fresh parsley or basil (about 1 ounce, some stems ok)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add ingredients to food processor. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, starting with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Work in two batches if you have a smaller food processor.
- Process until very smooth. Process on HIGH until pesto is very smooth, adding more olive oil as needed to create desired texture. Use a spatula to scrape down the side of the bowl once or twice if necessary.
- Season to taste. Season with additional lemon juice and/or salt, to taste.
Notes
Recipe Notes
This recipe makes about 2 cups of pesto which is enough for 2 (16-ounce) packages of uncooked pasta. Freeze in 1 cup portions and defrost as needed for a fast, weeknight dinner.
Ingredient Notes
This recipe works well with both parsley, basil, or even cilantro, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
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