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–+ servings
top view of Kale Pesto in a jar and kale beside it

Simple Pesto Recipe

This is the best pesto sauce recipe, ready in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Holly

Ingredients

  • 3 cups kale chopped and packed
  • ½ cup pine nuts or walnuts or almonds
  • ⅓ cup olive oil or more, up to ½ cup, if needed
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 ounces parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or more, to taste

Instructions

  • Place the pine nuts in a shallow frying pan and cook over medium heat stirring or shaking until fragrant and golden, about 4 minutes. Cool.
  • Combine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, parmesan cheese in a food processor and process until combined.
  • Add kale and process until combined. With the processor running, add oil to reach desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.

Notes

Store in an airtight container or a mason jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5131IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 246mg | Iron: 2mg