Alpha Gal Friendly Vegan Kale Pesto with Lemon Zest
Living with alpha-gal syndrome means navigating a surprisingly long list of hidden mammal-derived ingredients, and traditional pesto is one of those sneaky offenders thanks to parmesan cheese. This version swaps in nutritional yeast to deliver that same savory, umami depth without any dairy in sight, making it genuinely safe and genuinely delicious. Toasted pine nuts add a warm, buttery richness that anchors the whole sauce, while fresh kale and basil bring a vibrant green flavor that feels bright and alive. The lemon juice and zest are the secret weapons here — they lift everything and keep the pesto from tasting flat or heavy. A slow stream of good olive oil pulls it all into a thick, glossy sauce that holds beautifully on a spoon and clings to pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It comes together in a food processor in minutes, and the result is something you'll want to keep a jar of in the fridge at all times.
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
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 3 cups packed curly or lacinato kale leaves, stems removed and roughly torn
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed to loosen (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the kale, basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the greens are finely chopped and the mixture looks uniformly crumbly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!