Low Fat Homemade Kale Pesto
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and guilt-free Low Fat Homemade Kale Pesto, a healthy twist on the classic recipe that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Featuring nutrient-dense kale and fresh basil, this creamy pesto is brightened with zesty lemon juice and enriched with the umami flavor of nutritional yeast, all without relying on heavy oils or cheeses. A touch of broth keeps it light while rich pine nuts and optional red pepper flakes add depth and spice. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a wholesome dip—a great option for anyone seeking a healthier, low-fat alternative without compromising on taste. Vegan-friendly and freezer-ready, it’s the ultimate kitchen staple!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 units garlic clove
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Begin by washing the kale leaves thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and roughly chop the leaves for easier processing.
In a food processor, combine the chopped kale leaves, fresh basil leaves, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the leaves.
Add in the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, pine nuts, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Process the mixture until everything is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and the broth. Continue processing until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are blended well.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for long-term storage.
Use this low-fat kale pesto to enhance pasta dishes, spread on sandwiches, or as a delightful dip for vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
507 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.2 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1265 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 18.5 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1193 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
