Trader Joe's Kale Pesto is a vibrant, versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with pasta, roasted veggies, or as a spread on sandwiches. This homemade twist on their classic product is easy to make and loaded with fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients. Whether you're seeking a healthy way to enhance your meals or exploring new recipes, this kale pesto is a delicious dinner game-changer that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This
- Healthy and Nutrient-Dense: Packed with kale, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this pesto is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza base, or even a dip for cherry tomatoes and veggies.
- Customizable: Adjust flavors to suit your preferences with easy substitutions like cashew butter or nutritional yeast.
- Quick and Easy: Whip it up in your food processor in under 10 minutes for a fresh pesto recipe that’s TikTok-worthy.
Add This Pesto To These Dishes!
- 2 Ingredient Pasta
- Vegan Cashew Cream Pasta
- Gemelli With Tofu Truffle Ricotta
- Trader Joe's Lemon Torchietti With Vegan Meatballs
- Vegan Carbonara With Lupini Beans
Ingredients
- Kale Leaves (2 cups): Provides a hearty, earthy base packed with nutrients.
- Fresh Basil (1 cup): Adds a classic pesto flavor and aromatic freshness.
- Garlic Cloves (2-3): Delivers a bold, savory kick.
- Olive Oil (¼ cup): For a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Pink Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle mineral boost.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the flavor profile and balances the richness.
- Vegan Parmesan (¼ cup): Adds cheesy depth without dairy.
- Pine Nuts (2 tbsp): Traditional nutty richness and great texture.
Steps
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry the kale and basil. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Blend Base: In a food processor, combine kale, basil, garlic, and pink salt. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- Add Nuts and Cheese: Toss in pine nuts and vegan parmesan, blending until the mixture is crumbly.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Brighten: Add lemon juice, pulse a few more times, and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap pine nuts for hemp seeds for a nut-free option.
- Extra Creamy: Add a spoonful of cashew butter for a silky texture.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Umami Boost: Mix in nutritional yeast for extra depth.
Substitutions
- Basil: Use parsley or spinach if fresh basil isn't available.
- Vegan Parmesan: Replace with nutritional yeast or cashew & basil blend.
- Pine Nuts: Walnuts or sunflower seeds make great alternatives.
Top Tip
Toast the pine nuts before adding them to the food processor. This enhances their natural nuttiness and gives your pesto a richer flavor.
Hint
If the pesto is too thick, add a cup of water or a splash of olive oil gradually while blending until you achieve the perfect consistency.
Enjoy this Trader Joe's-inspired kale pesto over quinoa pasta, drizzled on Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, or alongside roasted bell peppers for a delicious meal!
Trader Joe's Kale Basil Pesto
Trader Joe's Kale Pesto is a vibrant, versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with pasta, roasted veggies, or as a spread on sandwiches. This homemade twist on their classic product is easy to make and loaded with fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients. Whether you're seeking a healthy way to enhance your meals or exploring new recipes, this kale pesto is a delicious dinner game-changer that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale leaves washed and stems removed
- 1 cup fresh basil packed
- 2 –3 garlic cloves peeled
- ¼ cup olive oil plus more if needed
- ¼ teaspoon pink salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast as a substitute
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted for extra flavor, optional
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry the kale and basil. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Blend Base: In a food processor, combine kale, basil, garlic, and pink salt. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- Add Nuts and Cheese: Toss in pine nuts and vegan parmesan, blending until the mixture is crumbly.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Brighten: Add lemon juice, pulse a few more times, and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
