HAPPY NATIONAL KALE DAY!!!!
Today is literally my favorite holiday. You guys know that I LOVE kale. I use in anything and everything from salads, to soups and smoothies, and now… pesto!
Ok, so quick story time before I get to the goods: I’ve never liked pesto, and I’m starting to realize that it’s because I don’t like basil, not necessarily pesto. Have you ever heard anyone say that if you really really despise a certain food that it might actually be a sign that you are slightly allergic to it? I’m kind of into this theory. I’ve noticed that every time I eat basil, my nose/sinuses get reallllyyy plugged up, so I think that “not liking pesto (or basil) has been my body telling me to avoid it. Weird? Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but my great uncle absolutely despised peanuts and peanut butter when he was younger, and well… it turned out that he had a severe allergy to them! Back to the point though, I’ve never liked basil pesto and always wanted to like it, so I came up with a pesto made from Baby Kale!
This recipe is so simple and easy to make. No cooking and minimal prep required! You can have fresh homemade Kale Pesto in a matter of minutes! My Kale Pesto is gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with healthy benefits.
Let’s get to know the main ingredient: KALE!
ALL HAIL KALE!
1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.
2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.
3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.
5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.
6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.
7. Kale is high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.
8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.
9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility
10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.
(source)
Kale Pesto
Makes about 1 cup
2 cups DOLE Power Up Greens – Baby Kale
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pistachios, shells removed
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1-2 cloves fresh garlic
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until well mixed.
Tip: I used roasted salted pistachios, so I did not add any additional salt. If you use unsalted pistachios, add a pinch of salt to the recipe!
In celebration of National Kale Day, I’m hosting a giveaway with Dole Salads!
One lucky RFFMBT reader will win:
- A copy of “KALE: The Complete Guide to the World’s Most Powerful Superfood” by Stephanie Pedersen
- Dole Coupons
- Dole Tote Bag
- Dole Tumbler
- Dole Power Up Greens Yoga Mat
- Dole Headphones
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Must use a valid email address to enter. Must be a US resident to enter.
Giveaway ends on Sunday, October 5th at 11:59 PM (PST).
1 winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, October 6th.
Studded Pumpkins can be found on 
If you are new to cooking with tofu, you will find that it needs to be pressed of excess liquid so that sauces and flavors can be absorbed into it. There are gadgets like the 
