I was craving pesto the other day. But if you’ve ever looked into making your own pesto, you also know that pine-nuts are just about the most expensive nuts on the market. So I had to find an alternative. Recently, I’ve been looking for ways to eat more fully-vegetarian meals, and kale is one of my favorite ingredients. So with kale, olive oil, almonds, and some spices, I made a vegan almond-kale pesto (recipe below).
I love this little variation on the traditional basil pine-nut pesto. And with a good blender or food processor, it’s pretty easy to make! As I’ve mentioned in the past, one of my struggles with vegan dishes is that they rarely fill me up for a long time. But this dense, rich pesto is not just good for you; it’s totally satisfying! And, it’s also super delicious on freshly toasted bread.
When it comes to cooking vegetarian or vegan, it is important to know your flavors well. Since vegetables tend to be milder than meat, they’ll need a little extra help to become flavorful. And one of the biggest flavor-bombs of all time is sun-dried tomatoes. These things are almost like meat; they’re salty, savory, and add excellent texture. Another great ingredient to add is a strong, flavorful cheese such as gruyere. The cheese I shaved onto my pasta dish was from the farmer’s market this past weekend: a unique goats-milk gruyere with lots of character.
What are your favorite vegetarian ingredients? Are you in love with kale like I am? I’d love to know!
Linguine with Almond-Kale Pesto, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Shaved Gruyere
For the almond-kale pesto (makes 8+ servings; keeps well over a week refrigerated):
– 3 cups raw/unsalted almonds (we get ours from Costco, but try buying in bulk)
– 2 cups olive oil (plus more for a liquidy texture)
– 1/2 bunch raw lacinato kale
– salt & pepper to taste
For the pasta dish (makes 1 serving):
– 1 serving linguine pasta
– 1/2 handful sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
– Gruyere or other hard cheese, for shaving (optional)
To Make the Almond-Kale Pesto:
Rinse the kale and dry with a paper towel. Remove the tough ribs of the kale and place the leaves into your food processor. Add half of the almonds, and all of the oil. Cover the container and process until a paste begins to form. Scrape down sides of container as necessary.
If your pesto is already pretty thick, add more oil, and add the rest of the almonds. Continue to add oil as needed to reach the consistency you would prefer. A pasty pesto is better for bread; a more saucy pesto is better for pasta. You can always make a pasty pesto and then mix in some oil before serving it with pasta, if necessary.
Once your pesto has reached desired consistency, begin to add salt and pepper, to taste. Blend and season to taste until it’s delicious!
To Make the Linguine:
Bring water to boil and cook the linguine according to instructions. Strain the cooked pasta, and place into a mixing bowl. Scoop out approximately a quarter cup of almond-kale pesto and mix the pasta and pesto with a fork until well incorporated.
Plate the pasta. Add sun-dried tomatoes and shaved gruyere if using. Bon appetit!
Add a little soup on the side!
Have a delicious weekend everyone! And don’t forget to stay in touch:
Why thank you Erica!! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Yuuuuuuuum!!!! I will be making this one day in the near future that is for sure!!
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Thanks girl! We are not vegetarians but I’m trying to think like one, and come up with more creative ways to eat veggies. We limit the amount of meat we buy and only go with grassfed, humane, organic, etc. And I’d love some squash recipe recommendations, Megan! I’ve made butternut squash soup but that’s pretty much it!
Oh this looks so good! are you a vegetarian?! I am too! I love sweet potatoes. I had this amazing sweet potato kale dish I made the other day…I just threw in some chipotle seasoning and it was amazing! Also squash is my new favorite. SO MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO!
It is SO SO cute that you guys tried making pesto for Valentine’s Day!! I love that, Camille! I’ve also heard that walnuts are a good pine nut substitution, so you could give that a shot too! Let me know if you enjoy it 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah!! And don’t worry, it’ll look pretty darn good 😉 And it tastes even better!
This looks amazing! I love the idea of switching out pine nuts.. so pricy! I remember when I bought pine nuts for the first time in college with my now husband, we were making a pesto for Valentine’s Day one year. I was so confused by the price when we checked out, and my husband was so shocked. it was too funny! But now we know and only buy them if it’s a special occasion or a recipe we know we love. I love this idea for pesto cravings though, brilliant! Can’t wait to try it soon! xoxox
Camille
http://www.thelovelytheory.com
WOW. This looks so delicious. I want to have it now! Even if I make this and it tastes good, it will definitely not look this good… but that’s not important, right? Haha
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
I understand that. I’ve written posts and deleted them in the past as well, after deciding it might not be the best choice to share. I’m not into football, but I have heard about some of that. I really respect that you used the time to contemplate on it and decide to do what you think was best. Speaking up is important, but it’s also important to use wisdom and know when it’s best to not say something. <3
Oh, and I totally pinned this!
Your pictures are AMAZING, Daisy! I really want to try to make this. I can’t wait to try it. Happy weekend!
This looks perfect! I must admit – kale and I have somewhat of a shaky relationship but I’m working on making it better. Saving this recipe!!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Ah thank for letting me know Denise! This is actually an issue I’ve been having– sometimes my theme doesn’t load and I get that awful basic WP theme 🙁 Sorry about the confusion!
I hope you try making this sometime, I promise it’s not too hard!! Hope you have a great weekend Denise!
This looks aaaaamazing. I can’t wait to try it!!
OMG Daisy! You got me with this pesto recipe! I love pesto so this version you created sounds delicious! I love cheese and adding the gruyere cheese was a clever idea. I will definitively try this pasta pretty soon. I will actually try to make it as soon as I get home from my trip this weekend. I always buy kale for juicing and I always have almonds in my pantry for snacking. They pictures were amazing! Take care and thanks for sharing. XOXO, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Okay so really quick, I noticed you changed your front page layout. I was so confused that I clicked out of this site a few times haha. It’s been a long week, clearly.
This looks delicious. I wish I cooked more, but I just don’t. Does coffee count? BTW I absolutely love kale. This recipe looks awesome. Thanks so much for sharing this and giving some great info!
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
Thanks Rachel! And you’re right– macadamia and hazelnuts are also pricey. Oh and regarding that post– I deleted it. I realized I felt it wasn’t appropriate to talk about the issue I was bringing up, even though it was in the news. I had written something about how both pro and college football players have had a lot of issues with the law lately, and yet have been legally excused. I’ve hated football and football culture for a long time, but lately I’ve been just plain disgusted. However, I realized before it went up that a lot of the issues I was pointing out were deeply personal to the people involved; most of the examples had to do with football players and domestic violence, and I felt that it wasn’t appropriate for me to rag on something by using someone else’s deep pain and experience as proof. Despite the fact that I’m still feeling indignant, I wanted to respect the women and men involved in these incidents and not use them to make a point (though they’re in the news). Hope that makes sense! I still believe in speaking up 🙂
Thanks Niamh! Ooh I love chickpeas! Have you made your own hummus yet? So delicious!
Thanks Kimberley! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thanks Shannon! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Haha yes, it’s a good one! I hope you enjoy it Alice!
This looks delicious, thank you for sharing! I’ve also noticed the very sad fact that pine nuts (along with macadamia and hazelnuts) are so very expensive. I would love to try this pesto on a low-carb pasta alternative (to fit my diet). Pinning!
Question, due to your comment on my post about speaking up I thought you were doing a post you were nervous about today?
Gorgeous photos Daisy! Just beautiful!! This looks really yummy. My favourite vegetarian ingredient at the moment is chickpeas. We are trying to eat as many meat-free meals as we can and I am just loving all types of legumes!
These photos are making me so hungry. Its all amazing stuff, cant wait to try it!
http://www.rekitanicole.com/
This sounds divine!! I’m so hungry and now this just made it worse haha! Definitely want to give this a try! Yum!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Wish I had this recipe when I was vegetarian, will definitely still be giving it a go though, it looks so yummy!
The Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog
Thanks Kaelene!! It’s a remarkable combo 🙂
Thanks Katherine!! I hope you both enjoy it 🙂
Hahha that’s great– pine nuts are an awesome gift. I love them… the price just makes me cry a little 😉 I hope you’ll share a recipe or two, Chelsea!
Thank you so much Sera! 🙂
Haha I hear you! I hope you do try it– the kale is unexpected but it’s surprisingly rich and flavorful. And thank you, I really appreciate it!
Haha thanks Ash!
Thanks Amanda!! Oh, the sundried tomatoes are just the best 🙂
OOh walnuts are a fantastic idea! I’ll have to try that next time. 🙂
Aw thank you! So glad to hear– I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Thank you Hannah! And yes I love basil pesto too 🙂 This is a fun alternative, especially because kale is everywhere and so good for you!
Hahahah but kale is so delicious! I got my husband to start liking it by introducing him to kale chips… baby steps 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend Kiki!
Hah yes, cheese is always an excellent addition to pasta 🙂 Thanks, friend!
Thank you Natasha!! It does have a pretty unique flavor– very nutty and rich. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
THanks girl!! If you make it, let me know how it goes! I love having a sturdy blender to do stuff like this 😉
This sounds delicious! Pesto, kale, sun dried tomatoes, yum all my favorite things!
Hah thanks so much Sarah! And it would be so fun to cook together, friend!
Thank you Joanna 🙂 Let me know if you try it!
Haha thanks so much Shannon! 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend!
Oh wow, that sounds amazing!! I love making pizza, so I’ll give that a try next time 🙂
Haha that’s awesome 🙂 Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions! I am planning on trying some of that spaghetti squash this weekend 😉
Thank you Larisa!! 🙂
I hope you enjoy it! I really enjoy kale lightly sauteed too. It’s just such a versatile vegetable 🙂
Thank you so much Whitney! And yes, I get that– the pesto is great to make ahead of time when you’re hungry 😉
Hah thanks Jaelan!!
Hahah thank you so much Miriam! You should definitely try kale… when it’s cooked well, it can be so delicious! And it’s so good for you– like eating 3 veggies in one serving 😉
Thank you Zelle! 🙂
Oh I’ve not tried sunflower seeds– that’s a great idea 🙂 I’ll definitely try broccoli pesto sometime, I’m always looking for more ways to use my new favorite vegetable!
Exactly! Kale is ubiquitous!
Hooray for kale! And almonds are a really nice alternative, they taste mild and nutty. Thank you Charity!
Thank you Miri 🙂 I hope you like it!
Thanks Rachel! And I love pesto too!
Oh my! This looks absolutely delicious! Going to share this recipe with my boyfriend so he can make it! Thank you for sharing!!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
I want to make this. Ok don’t laugh… i literally asked for my birthday for Pine Nuts from Costco. My mom totally wrapped them and gave them to me, yes they are expensive but I recommend asking them for the holidays! haha 🙂
XO Chelsea shesaidhesaidfashion.com
This looks so amazing!!!
xx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM
(IG: @TheStardustBohemian)
Alright, I’m going to be totally honest here. The title of this recipe did not appeal to me at all. But the way you describe it and the way you’ve photographed it has totally convinced me to give it a try!
You have a beautiful eye for photography Daisy.
V
Life+1
Oh my gosh…my mouth is watering.
Oh my goodness. Almond pesto is one of my favourites, but paired with these sundried tomatoes? Sounds amazing! x
I agree about pine nuts, those darn thing is pricey but so good in pesto. I have never tried using almond for my pestos but have always use walnut as a variation. And guess who has tons of walnut in her pantry? Yes, this girl here and I’ll be giving this recipe a go soon, thanks Daisy!
Reflection of Sanity
Every word in that recipe headline sounded like a dream and then the photos just topped it off!! Thank you for sharing your post – I can’t wait to try it myself!!
Have a great weekend!
Milk Stripes
http://www.MilkStripes.com
Oh my goodness. This looks soooooo mouth-watering. And I’ve never heard of kale pesto! What a good idea 🙂 My mom uses almonds instead of pine nuts for her pesto, but we’ve always used traditional basil as the plant base.
dance a real
Yum! I’ve never made my own pesto before. Joshua is terrified of Kale. I bet I could try this, not tell him and see how he reacts. (; Great ideas. I absolutely love kale. Have a fabulous weekend Daisy! (:
This look B.O.M.B. and I love that you smothered it in parm, that’s the best way to go!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
Yummm! I love pesto and sun dried tomatoes 🙂 I bet the kale pesto has such an unique flavor…I’ll have to try that this week! Thanks 🙂
Yum, yum, yum! I have been wanting to make homemade pesto for the longest time! I hope I will be able to soon and this recipe looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing it Daisy! 🙂
Between you and Jenna of A Savory Feast, I’m going to have my Pinterest board filled to the brim with goodness! Now, if you lived closer, I would totally ask you to come teach me to cook! 🙂
You have the most amazing recipes, Daisy! Bookmarking this one! 🙂
lovejoanna.com
Again, your food/taste in food seems spot on and I need some lessons 🙂 I love pesto and this sounds like an absolutely delicious alternative. The whole dish looks amazing. Thanks for sharing Daisy!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
This is a perfect flavor combo! I love to do pesto, oven roasted tomatoes and goat cheese on pizza! Slightly different ingredients but along the same line!
I have had such a craving for pesto pasta lately…you know what I’ll be whipping up this weekend! 😉 Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
YUM! Wow that looks amazing!!! thanks for the recipe.
xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com
Hi Daisy I love kale but I only incorporate that to salads. I will try your recipe. Thanks for sharing:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
Oh wow it looks super yummy! I’m really trying to be healthier as well but it’s so hard when you’re just hungry! It’s great to know that this recipe is satisfying as well, thank u! 😉
Love,
Whitney
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
So yummy!
Oh.My…… This looks soooooooooooooooooo good. I think I drooled a little! haha. I’ve never tried Kale but I really want to! 🙂
DiscoverMe
Wow — this looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing, Daisy!
xo Southern Style
Yum! I almost never make traditional pine nut pesto–even if I make a basil pesto I’ll use toasted sunflower seeds instead. I made a broccoli pesto the other day that was really good too. Pesto is so fun to experiment with! 🙂
Delicious and healthy. This looks like a great winter pesto when fresh, local basil isn’t as available on the east coast. Thank you Daisy.
Yes to kale! This looks really yummy Daisy. I make a kale pasta as well and those pine nuts are pricey. I’m going to try using almonds next time. Thanks for sharing
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
WOW! I am hungry now. Can’t wait to try this at home!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Wow this looks so yummy!! Anything with pesto gets a massive tick from me 🙂
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net