Walnut Free Kale & Herb Pesto
Pesto is one of those sauces that feels like it should be complicated, but this vibrant green version comes together in a food processor in just a few minutes. Blanching the kale first is the secret move here — it softens the leaves, tames any bitterness, and locks in that gorgeous bright color before everything gets blended. Fresh basil and parsley round out the herb base, while lemon juice and garlic give it that punchy, classic pesto character. A pinch of turmeric and optional fresh ginger add a subtle warmth that makes this version feel a little more interesting than anything you'd grab off a store shelf. Traditional pesto recipes often call for pine nuts or walnuts to add body, but this one skips them entirely and still achieves a thick, spreadable consistency thanks to good olive oil and the right blending technique. It's endlessly versatile — toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, swirl it into soup, or use it as a dip for roasted vegetables. If you've been nervous about store-bought pestos hiding unexpected nut ingredients in the fine print, making your own this way puts you completely in control.
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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.
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