Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Kale Parmesan Pesto

Creamy Kale Parmesan Pesto


  • Author: She's Almost Always Hungry
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

The addition of cream cheese turns this pesto into a delicious spread for thick slices of rustic bread. But like other varieties, it is great mixed in with warm pasta. Or, mix it with sour cream for a cold dip for crudité.


Ingredients

Scale

4 ounces kale

4 ounces walnuts (about 1 cup walnut halves)

4 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, crushed

4 ounces cream cheese

3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about ½ cup)

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

Remove tough stems of the kale and roughly chop. Set aside.

In a medium pan, toast the walnuts until they are golden brown and give off a toasty fragrance, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully and toss often so the walnuts don’t burn. Place on a plate to cool and set aside.

In the same pan (do not have to clean it), heat the olive oil. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Do not let the garlic cloves burn. Add the kale, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to wilt.

Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and season well with salt and pepper.

If pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil.

Notes

To store: Place in an airtight container and cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Spreads, Appetizers
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 253.92
  • Sugar: 1.22 g.
  • Sodium: 247.24 g.
  • Fat: 24.14 g.
  • Saturated Fat: 6.51 g.
  • Carbohydrates: 4.37 g.
  • Fiber: 1.67 g.
  • Protein: 7.33 g.
  • Cholesterol: 21.55 mg.

Keywords: kale, walnuts, cream cheese, parmesan