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Jule’s Menu
Jule’s MenuVerified

January 26, 2026

This simple winter pesto made from kale, basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts goes perfectly with pasta, on bread, with fish and meat, and in vegetarian dishes. It combines the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of kale with the familiar aroma of basil and salty, savory Parmesan for a balanced sauce. The pesto is finished with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil for brightness and can be used as a spread, dip, or sauce for a variety of meals. A bit of toasted garlic and pine nuts adds a mild nuttiness that pairs well with both warm and cold dishes.

Quick Kale Pesto
Quick Kale Pesto
Quick Kale Pesto
Quick Kale Pesto
Quick Kale Pesto
Quick Kale Pesto cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
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Quick Kale Pesto

Ingredients

Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
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Heat water in a pot, wash the kale and remove the stems. Just before the water boils, reduce the heat, salt the water, and add the kale leaves to the hot water for one minute. Remove the kale from the pot or drain it, then immediately place it in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 to 60 seconds to stop the cooking. Afterward, drain the kale and carefully squeeze out the liquid with your hands.
2
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Peel the garlic and toast it with the pine nuts in a pan (without oil) over medium-high heat for about three minutes. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into cubes and wash the basil.
3
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Place the kale, basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil, tofu, anchovy, and half of the water into a blender or food processor and blend until a smooth, creamy pesto forms. Gradually add the remaining water.
4
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Season the pesto with salt, a pinch of pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.

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