Black Pepper Free Basil-Pesto Kale Salad
Massaged kale gets a serious glow-up here, dressed in a vibrant herb pesto that's bright, garlicky, and packed with fresh basil and parsley. The technique of working salt into the kale by hand is the real secret — it softens those sturdy leaves into something almost silky, making every bite tender rather than tough. A touch of turmeric and fresh lemon juice give the pesto a sunny, slightly tangy edge that keeps the whole bowl feeling lively and light. Crisp radish slices add a peppery bite and a pop of color without any need for black pepper, so anyone avoiding that spice can dig in without a second thought. Store-bought pesto almost always sneaks in black pepper, which makes this homemade version a genuinely useful swap — you control every ingredient from start to finish. It comes together in one food processor and a single mixing bowl, which means cleanup is minimal and the payoff is huge. Finish it with torn basil and a squeeze of lemon for a salad that looks as good as it tastes.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 2 bunches curly or lacinato kale (about 10 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn, for serving (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the torn kale leaves in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of the sea salt. Using both hands, massage the kale firmly for 2–3 minutes until the leaves darken, soften noticeably, and reduce in volume by about half.
- 2
Combine the basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, and remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt in a food processor or blender. Pulse 5–6 times until the herbs are roughly chopped.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!