Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta is a dish that hides the fact that it’s good for you. The pasta and cheese are welcoming, and the cheery tomatoes divine!
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta
I’m relatively stubborn when it comes to trying new foods. So, when I started hearing a ton about kale and its health benefits, I ignored it for the longest time.
But then, everywhere I looked it was all about the kale, kale, kale. KALE!
So, I thought I’d better give it a try, or else I should stop nagging the kids to always try something once before dismissing it a big fat NO. After all, you gotta say as you do and do what you say right?
Yet, I wasn’t about to buy some kale and chow down as is, or have it as a main quite yet. So, I decided the best approach to give it a fair shot, was to try it in something I loved. baby steps, people.
So, I added kale to pasta, since I’m a die-hard pasta fanatic.
And if you love this recipe, you also need to check out my easy Spinach Cashew Pesto!
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta is one of those dishes that hides the fact that it’s good for you. The pasta and cheese are welcoming with that hint of kale whispering in the background. In other words, baby steps complete.
This Kale Pesto is perfect served over chicken or fish as well. If you want to add protein to this dish, bake some chicken breasts or salmon and serve alongside the pasta. So, it’s a main but also a side when paired with protein, which I always like to do.
Bottom line? Instead of crinkling my nose and keeping my feet planted in a firm stance, I’m now open to trying more recipes with kale.
Perhaps there’s a reason for the kale-kraze? My stubborn ways are breaking one day at a time …
For other pesto-love make sure to try my Pesto Stuffed Chicken.
What Kale recipes do you love?
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta is a dish that hides the fact that it's good for you. The pasta and cheese are welcoming, and the cheery tomatoes divine!
- 10 ounces fresh kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp miso paste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast {this can be found in the bulk section of a natural foods store this is not baking yeast. It can also be omitted if you wish}
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 package whole wheat {or regular} bow tie noodles
- 15 cherry tomatoes halved
- parmesan cheese for garnish
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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While cooking pasta, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside.
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Place kale into boiling water for 30 seconds, remove and plunge into ice water bath for 1-2 minutes.
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Remove kale from water, squeezing extra water out with hands.
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Place kale into the bowl of a food processor. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to bowl and pulse until well combined.
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Add miso paste, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast; process for 1 minute, scrape down sides, process again for 30 seconds.
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Drain pasta, and place into a serving bowl.
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Add kale pesto; gently fold into pasta using a spatula or wooden spoon. Add cherry tomatoes; gently fold into pasta until coated.
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Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
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Enjoy!
Christi says
I’ve NEVER tried kale before, but this seems like an easy way to give it a try – thanks for the great recipe!
Andrea L says
I love this combo – never tried kale in my pasta before and I love pesto!
Kirsten G. says
Looks delicious! I’ve only had kale in a Dutch recipe called Boerenkool. It’s mashed potatoes and kale mixed together and it’s served with sausage. It’s a very hearty winter dish.
Melissa says
I love kale and have found many ways to use it but would have never thought to use it in pesto. What a yummy idea, will definitely have to try this!
Elaine Buonsante says
What an interesting take on a pesto dish! My husband is Italian and I think I’ll give it a try.
Lisa says
That looks really tasty and flavorful! It’s amazing the different ways kale can be used in recipes!
Vera Sweeney says
What a great way to get more veggies into your food!! I am going to haw to try this out with my kids thank you!
Stephanie LaPlante says
That looks delicious…and colorful!
Dee says
I’ve used kale in soups. Not only are the greens yummy in recipes but the plant itself is really pretty when it blooms in the fall.
Ann BAcciaglia says
I tried Kale once and I did not like it. There were big pieces in a salad. I like your approach and would like to try it again in a recipe with pasta. Great idea.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
You had me at kale, sold me on pesto! I can’t wait to try this on my menu next week!
Shauna says
Oh I love pesto and yet somehow never thought of using kale. Such a cool idea. May have to give it a try 🙂
lisa says
This looks and sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Ronni says
We got lucky in that the kiddo actually loves kale! I was surprised but happy. I’m going to try this. Looks like a nice healthy twist on typical pasta salads!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great way to get in the veggies. I so need to make this for my kids to sneak the veggies in!
kathy downey says
I love both,cant wait to try it
Elva Roberts says
So far, I have bought green salads that contain Kale, and I have been pleasantly surprised with the sweetness of its flavor. I was really looking for another green besides lettuce, celery and cucumber. Now that I have had it in a salad, I could probably use it in other recipes.
jan says
I grew up eating kale a lot! I’ve continued to grow and eat it as an adult so I find it kind of funny that it so prevalent now.
Michelle armstrong says
I love trying new and healthy food. My mom died almost a year ago. It makes me look at my eating choices a lot harder now.
Debi says
I have never had a kale pesto before. It sounds very yummy.
Silvia D says
I looked at thepicture of the salad and right away looked fresh and delicious. Thanks for the recipe, will be making this! I have never had Kale but this looks so appealling!
Darwin says
This is the first I have heard of a kale pesto, but it looks and sounds delicious. Will be giving this a try since it’s Kale season now.
Carol M (Lushka S) says
Oh I happen to love Kale. My fave recipe is a soup with Italian sausage, potatoes and loads of kale with a splash of cream. Never thought of kale pesto, will have to try it. Thanks for the recipe!
Lori Lewis says
The only thing I’ve made with Kale is Kale Chips – I season them with a light drizzle of olive oil, sea salt and freshly squeezed lemon!
I am definitely going to try this recipe, thanks!
mongupp says
i enjoy the pre packed kale salad from the grocery. It has kale, poppyseed dressing, dried cranberries and sunflower seedS
Very yummy!
Tara Siudy (Little Miss Dexterous) says
I LOVE kale! This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Gina says
I haven’t quite jumped onto the kale bandwagon yet either but sometimes I will drink it in my Jamba smoothies. This dish looks super yummy, definitely pinning <3
Lynda Cook says
This looks really good, I love the colour of it too!!
Anita says
I am going to prepare this next week. 🙂
Thanks for the recipe.
John Cochran says
All these comments are by people who like the idea, would love to incorporate kale into dishes, say the dish looks delicious, etc. etc. But none of them have actually made and “tried” it! Why not prepare and eat the dish before you make a comment?
Tammi says
Well, hopefully they come back and comment after they have!
Mila says
I know kale is a super veg! My problem is that I hate kale haha. But your dish looks so delicious and healthy that I definitely want to give it a try ( I may replace some ingredients due to my ibs ). Brace yourself kale, here I go ! 🙂
Hope you will share your recipe with our party:
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/05/idea-box-thursday-link-party-12.html
Hugs,
Mila