Nitrate & Nitrite Free Kale & Herb Pesto
This vibrant green pesto is packed with fresh kale, basil, and parsley — a trio that delivers serious depth of flavor without relying on any cured meats, processed ingredients, or preservatives that can sneak unwanted additives into your food. A quick blanch keeps the kale brilliantly green and mellows any bitterness, so the final result is bright, grassy, and genuinely craveable. Lemon juice adds a zippy lift, while garlic and a touch of turmeric give it warmth and complexity that store-bought versions rarely manage. The optional fresh ginger nudges it into something a little more interesting — earthy and slightly spicy in the best possible way. Everything comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, making this one of the easiest homemade condiments you can keep in your fridge. Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, swirl it into soups, or use it as a dip — it's endlessly versatile and made entirely from whole, clean ingredients you can feel good about.
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
6 servings
- 2 cups curly or lacinato kale, stems removed, leaves roughly torn
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a small skillet of water to a boil over high heat. Add the kale leaves and blanch for 30 seconds, until bright green and just wilted. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking, then squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands.
- 2
Combine the blanched kale, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, and ginger (if using) in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!