Click HERE to watch the YouTube demonstration video.
Elevate your meals with this vibrant, high-vibe pesto! Blending the traditional flavors of fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts with a zesty twist of kale, lemon, and walnuts, this recipe is anything but ordinary. Nutritional yeast adds an irresistible depth, making every bite uniquely delicious. Whether you’re stuffing mushrooms, dipping artichokes, tossing it with veggies, drizzling over pasta, or stuffing chicken breasts, this pesto brings a healthy, flavorful boost to any dish.
Want to see how it all comes together? Watch my latest cooking demo on YouTube to learn the secrets behind this crowd-pleaser!
Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, organic, firmly packed, torn into smaller pieces, stems removed
- 2 cups fresh basil, organic, firmly packed leaves, stems removed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, organic
- 1 lemon, organic, zested and juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, organic, peeled
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, organic, grated
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, organic
- 1/2 cup walnuts, organic, toasted
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, organic, toasted
- 1 tsp soffritto seasoning, organic (my favorite brand is Trader Joe’s)
- Pinch of sea salt and pepper, to taste
Procedure
- Toast the Nuts: Toast the pine nuts and walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. First spread the walnuts in a single layer, stirring constantly, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned (about 3–5 minutes), then add the pine nuts and stir constantly until they’re fragrant and lightly browned (a couple minutes should do it). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Stem the kale and basil, peel the garlic, zest the lemon using a micro-plane, and juice the lemon.
- Blend the Pesto: Load the ingredients into a food processor or blender in the order listed above. Pulse about 10 times to combine, then blend on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust and Blend Again: Scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender bowl. Pulse another 10 times, then blend for an additional minute until smooth and creamy.
Click HERE for a delicious Pesto Stuffed Chicken Magic recipe. Or HERE for a yummy stuffed mushroom recipe.
Voilà! Your pesto is ready to serve or use in your favorite recipes.
Bon appétit!