Hey there, foodies! If you're looking for a quick, hearty, and downright delicious meal, you’re in for a treat. My Creamy Pesto Kale Salad is like a flavor explosion in a bowlcreamy, tangy, and packed with all the good stuff. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, which is perfect for when you want something fancy-ish without all the fuss. Trust me, even kale skeptics will be coming back for seconds!
Try my Crispy Coconut Tofu with Lemongrass Curry recipe.
1| Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, because who has time for complicated meals?
2| Super Creamy: Thanks to the plant-based cream cheese and pesto, it’s rich and dreamy.
3| Loaded with Greens: Kale brings that healthy, feel-good vibe (but tastes amazing too!).
4| Comfort Food Meets Freshness: It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to not weigh you down.
5| Customizable: Swap the pasta or tweak the pesto to make it totally yours.
6| Leftovers Win: It’s just as delicious the next dayif there’s any left!
You’ll want to add this one to your go-to recipe list, trust me!
Try my Curried Seitan Salad with Mango Dressing recipe.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
→ Kale: This leafy green powerhouse is the star of the show. It’s hearty, healthy, and soaks up all the creamy pesto goodness like a champ. Bonus: it’s packed with nutrients, so you feel great eating it!
→ Pasta: You can use any pasta you lovepenne, fusilli, bowties, or even a gluten-free option. It’s the perfect base to hold all that creamy deliciousness together.
→ Red Onions: These add a sweet, caramelized flavor that takes the dish to a whole new level. Trust me, don’t skip ’em!
→ Plant-Based Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and rich. It blends beautifully with the pesto for that melt-in-your-mouth vibe.
→ Fresh Plant-Based Pesto: The flavor bomb of the recipe! Basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oilit’s fresh, zesty, and the perfect match for kale and pasta.
Simple ingredients, big flavorswhat’s not to love?
Try my Asian Mushroom Noodles Stir Fry recipe.
| Ingredients: Serves 4 |
|---|
| - 2 red onions, thinly sliced |
| - 10.6 oz (300g) kale |
| - 10.6 oz (300g) pasta of choice |
| - 4 tbsp plant based cream cheese |
| - 4 tbsp fresh plant based pesto |
Time required: 20 mins
Alright, let's get cooking!
1| Grab a big pot and heat up about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those sliced onions and let them sizzle for around 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and starting to get that golden caramelized look.
2| Time to add the kale! Throw it in with about 3.4 fl oz (100ml) of water, pop a lid on, and let it steam for 5 minutes. It’ll turn all tender and wiltedjust perfect.
3| While the kale is doing its thing, cook your pasta. Just follow the instructions on the pack. Once it’s done, drain it, but don’t forget to save a little of that starchy pasta water magicit’ll come in handy later!
4| Now for the fun part: mix it all up! Toss the pasta with the sautéed onions, kale, cream cheese, and pesto. If it feels a bit thick, stir in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s nice and creamy. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, and voilàyou’re ready to serve!
Enjoy every bite! ✨
Glycemic Index: Low (47) Glycemic Load: High (30)
1| Swap Kale for Spinach or Arugula: Not a fan of kale? Go for baby spinach or peppery arugula for a milder or spicier twist.
2| Try a Different Pasta: Mix it up with whole wheat, chickpea, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
3| Switch the Cream Cheese: If plant-based cream cheese isn’t your thing, use regular cream cheese, ricotta, or even a splash of coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
4| Go Nutty with Pesto: Experiment with different pestossun-dried tomato, walnut, or even a creamy avocado pesto would be amazing!
5| Add Protein: Toss in some grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it heartier.
6| Boost the Veggies: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
7| Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil for a little heat. ️
8| Lemon Zest Love: A touch of fresh lemon zest or juice can brighten the dish and add a refreshing zing.
Get creative and make it your own!
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1| Massage the Kale: If kale feels too tough, give it a quick massage with a pinch of salt before cooking. It softens the leaves and makes them even tastier.
2| Save the Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
3| Use Fresh Pesto: Fresh, high-quality pesto makes all the difference. If store-bought, look for one with simple, wholesome ingredients.
4| Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with the sauce.
5| Caramelize the Onions: Take your time sautéing the onionsthey should be golden and slightly sweet for maximum flavor.
6| Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the creamy texture you love.
7| Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so dig in as soon as it’s ready!
8| Prep Ahead: Chop the onions, kale, and even cook the pasta in advance to save time during busy evenings.
9| Customize the Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or even add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
These little tips can make a big differencehappy cooking! ✨
Try my Zesty Cajun Chicken recipe.
1| As a Main Dish: Serve it as-is for a hearty and satisfying plant-based meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner! ✨
2| Pair with Protein: Add grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or your favorite protein like baked salmon or chicken on the side.
3| With Garlic Bread: A slice (or two) of warm, crusty garlic bread makes the perfect sidekick to soak up all that creamy pesto sauce.
4| In a Bowl Bar: Serve it buffet-style with toppings like roasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crumbled vegan feta for a DIY twist.
5| As a Potluck Star: This dish travels well, making it a great option for gatherings. Just keep it warm in a covered dish.
6| Top It Off: Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost.
7| Side to Soup: Pair it with a cozy bowl of tomato or minestrone soup for a complete comfort meal.
8| Meal Prep Hero: Divide it into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
This dish is versatile enough to fit any occasionso dig in and enjoy! ️
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1| Fridge Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!
2| Keep Dressing Separate: If you're meal prepping, store the pesto cream sauce separately and mix it with the salad just before serving. This keeps the salad from getting soggy.
3| Freezer: While it's best fresh, you can freeze the kale (separate from the pasta) for up to 2 months. Just thaw and add the pasta and pesto when you're ready to eat. ❄️
4| Avoid Overmixing: If you plan on storing leftovers, try not to toss the entire salad together at oncekeep the components separate for better storage and freshness.
5| Use Glass Containers: They keep everything fresh and make it easy to see what you’ve got left. Plus, they're eco-friendly! ♻️
With these storage tips, you can enjoy this salad for days to come (if it lasts that long)!
Try my other dinner recipes, here.
And that’s ityour Creamy Pesto Kale Salad is ready to steal the show! It’s fresh, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want to feel like you’ve got your life together. Got leftovers? Lucky youit tastes just as good the next day! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments or snap a pic and tag me. I’d love to see your masterpiece. Happy eating, friends! ✨
Who knew healthy could taste this good? This Creamy Pesto Kale Salad is rich, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Ready in no time and perfect for any meal!
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 10 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.
Add the kale and 3.4 fl oz. (100ml) water, then cover and cook for 5 minutes, until the kale has wilted.
Cook the pasta following the pack instructions. Drain, reserving a little of the cooking water.
Toss the pasta with the onions, adding the cream cheese and pesto. If needed, add some of the reserved cooking water to loosen. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
