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Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles for #SundaySupper

Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles

Happy 2015! I hope that a new year means exciting new things for you so far! As we embark on a new year with new intentions, goals, and choices, why not start on the right foot? My very first recipe for 2015 is a healthy and delicious one: Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles. For today’s Sunday Supper, we happen to be sharing lightened up recipes…so there are sure to be many to inspire you!

Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles

Oh yes. The squash noodle obsession that I started in 2014 (ex – angel hair and zucchini noodles with fresh tomato sauce and zucchini noodles with basil vinaigrette) is definitely going to continue this year. And with so many people opting for resolutions to make healthier choices in the kitchen, today’s recipe is one I’m happy to place on the table. As for my health-related resolution: I am going to continue to make as many healthy and whole food recipes as possible, and make even more efforts to remove processed food from the kitchen (and maybe create some of those items homemade instead).

Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles

To start this recipe: kale pesto. At first it doesn’t sound like it would be as awesome as a basil pesto you’re accustomed to. But after I whipped up a batch and served it to Justin, he confirmed to me that he wouldn’t have known it was kale (and he is not someone who gets excited about kale, by the way). Another plus? It’s much more affordable to create a pesto with kale than with basil, and you can whip up a huge quantity to save for later use with ease. In fact, I made double of what I list for this recipe just because I wanted to save it – it’s been popped into ice cube trays and frozen for later use.

Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles

But you can’t just have the kale pesto alone. Tossing it with squash noodles and sauteeing for just a few minutes to warm everything through is all you need, and then you have a delicious side dish or main course (pop a fried or poached egg on top for a vegetarian version, or a grilled chicken breast for the meat eater in your life). You could also add some extra goodies to the mix: a few cherry tomatoes or some sundried tomatoes would be a welcome addition! Options: you have them.

And of course, one of the best parts is that this dish is a nice, healthy choice that is lighter than your average pasta dish. I honestly don’t even miss the pasta in this case; I could eat the entire bowl just by myself and be a happy camper. Plus, if you have someone who is reluctant to try kale, this could be a way to turn them into a believer.

So – did you make any healthy resolutions for 2015? What are your goals?

Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles

5.0 from 4 reviews
Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles
 
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Total time
 
An easy to make, healthy, and flavorful side or main dish: Kale Pesto with Squash Noodles!
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 side dish servings or 2 main course servings
Ingredients
  • 4 cups chopped kale
  • ⅓ cup pecans
  • 3 tablespoons basil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 ounces olive oil
  • 4 medium squash (mix of zucchini and yellow)
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, tossing gently halfway through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  2. Add kale, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pecans into a food processor. Pulse about 10-12 times until finely chopped.
  3. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the processor as you continue to pulse, until incorporated. Yields about 1 cup of pesto.
  4. Use a spiralizing tool to create squash noodles. Meanwhile, heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
  5. Place the squash noodles and 6 tablespoons of pesto into the skillet and toss to coat until the noodles are heated through (about 5 minutes).
  6. Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese (and any additional toppings desired): enjoy!

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Make sure you check out all of the awesome lightened up recipes the Sunday Supper family is sharing today!

Bright Beverages

Blissful Breakfast Items

Appetizing Starters

Savory Soups and Sides

Marvelous Mains

Delightful Desserts

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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