Kale Pesto Gnocchi
Looking for a fun and exciting way to add greens to your diet? This vegan kale pesto paired with soft pillowy gnocchi is the perfect meal for you! This meal has it all! The deep and earthy flavor of Tuscan kale, the creaminess of the walnut and cashews, the zing of lemon juice, and the basil combine to make a creamy pesto that’s vibrant in colour and rich in flavour. Packed with 13g of protein, this dairy-free pesto is easy to prepare and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
High Protein Vegan Recipes
VEGAN ARUGULA WALNUT PESTO (OIL FREE)
Why you’ll love this Kale Pesto Gnocchi recipe:
Packed with Nutrition: This creamy pesto gnocchi is made with wholesome ingredients. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, Kale is a superfood and a wholesome addition to your meal. The nuts also add healthy fats and omegas, making this gnocchi a great addition to your diet!
Dairy Free: This pesto is 100% free from dairy! In place of parmesan, we’re using nutritional yeast which has the same cheesy flavour and is packed with vitamin B12 and protein!
Vibrant Flavors: This kale pesto gnocchi is packed with delicious flavors that dance on your palate. Trust me, every bite of this creamy kale pesto gnocchi is like a warm hug to your taste buds. A perfect crowd-pleaser!
Customizable: You can customize this recipe to your taste preferences. And the most exciting part? You can use the versatile pesto beyond gnocchi—spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or pair it with a salad. You can also serve this kale pesto as a side alongside your favorite protein.
Easy Preparation: From blending the pesto to cooking the gnocchi, what’s not to love about this simple kale pesto? No preheating, no baking, and minimal clean-up. Just pulse the sauce in a blender, boil the gnocchi, and a comforting vegan dinner is ready for a busy weeknight.
How to Make Kale Pesto Gnocchi
Preparing the kale
First, remove the stems of your kale. Give your kale a good wash to ensure they are clean and ready for blending.
Blend Ingredients
Add kale into a blender or food processor along with the rest of your ingredients (garlic, walnuts, cashews, lemon juice, olive oil, basil, and nutritional yeast). Pulse until everything is incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
Adjust consistency and flavor.
Add more olive oil or water if needed to loosen everything up, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Taste your pesto and adjust the taste according to your preference.
Cooking the Gnocchi
Cook your gnocchi according to the package directions until tender. Drain the cooked gnocchi, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Mix Kale Pesto & Serve
Mix your gnocchi in a pan with some pesto and reserved pasta water.
Serve and Enjoy!
Recipe Tips For Kale Pesto Gnocchi
- For a Protein Boost: Add kale pesto to my tofu gnocchi for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
- Can I make this oil-free? Yes, you can! Substitute oil with water or plant milk in this kale pesto.
- Swap walnuts and cashews: Feel free to experiment with nuts like pine nuts, almonds or even hemp seeds to personalize the texture and flavour of your pesto.
- Can I make kale pesto ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the kale pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Make it gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For a delicious twist: Use leftover kale pesto for sandwiches, soups, or a dip sauce.
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Kale Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 6 cups tuscan kale or curly kale
- 1 clove garlic
- ⅓ cup walnuts
- ⅓ cup cashews
- Juice of 1-1.5 lemons to taste
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 large bunch basil
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 300 g gnocchi
Instructions
- First, remove the stems of your kale.
- Give your kale a good wash, then add it to a blender or food processor along with the rest of your ingredients.
- Pulse until everything is incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add more olive oil or water if needed to loosen everything up, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook your gnocchi according to the package directions.
- Mix your gnocchi in a pan with some pesto and reserved pasta water, and enjoy!