Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (2024)

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Tossed in salads and pastas, simmered in soups, and blended into vibrant drinks, there are plenty of ways to power up with this hearty green.

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Mimi Young

Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (1)

Mimi Young

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Mimi Young is an editor and chef.

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Published March 08, 2024

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Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (2)

Kale is as ubiquitous in the produce aisle as carrots, spinach, and broccoli. In fact, I would say it's the superstar of leafy greens. Available in so many varieties these days, you can have your pick of everything from big, hearty stalks to tender baby leaves. If you're like me and can't resist buying more than one type, you're gonna need a lot of kale recipes.

No worries there! We've got you covered with ideas to take you from breakfast to dinner and beyond. For salad lovers, there's a hearty spin on the classic Caesar that will make you rethink romaine. We've also got wholesome soups like the Portuguese favorite Caldo Verde and easy pasta dishes like carbonara with kale. And, while we're all familiar with kale in smoothies and green juices, how about kale in a co*cktail? Yep, there's one with your name on it!

Safe to say, we've provided a ton of options to make the most of all that kale in your fridge, so make sure to check out these kale recipes below.

  • Tofu and Kale Salad With Avocado, Grapefruit, and Miso-Tahini Dressing

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    Crispy tofu seasoned with a hit of za'atar provides both texture and vegan protein, while creamy avocado and bright grapefruit segments complete the trifecta of hero components that make this colorful kale salad an absolute winner.

    Tofu and Kale Salad With Avocado, Grapefruit, and Miso-Tahini Dressing

  • Warm Kale and Caramelized Mushroom Salad

    Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (4)

    Here, browning the mushrooms first amplifies its earthiness, gently wilts the kale, and contrasts nicely with the zippy dressing. This makes for a simple yet flavorful vegetarian lunch or starter.

    Warm Kale and Caramelized Mushroom Salad

  • Kale Caesar Salad

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    All hail the kale in this hearty iteration of the tried-and-true Caesar! A quick treatment in olive oil transforms the tough leaves into tender greens. Throw in some ultra-crispy croutons and you'll be wondering why you haven't tried a kale Caesar sooner.

    Kale Caesar Salad

  • Kale Salad with Oven-Dried Grapes, Toasted Walnuts, and Blue Cheese

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    What really takes the classic combo of blue cheese, walnuts, and dried fruit over the top in this salad are the juicy oven-dried grapes—plump little jewels with way more personality than your run-of-the-mill raisins.

    Kale Salad with Oven-Dried Grapes, Toasted Walnuts, and Blue Cheese

    Continue to 5 of 23 below.

  • Crispy Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Potato Hash

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    Want a satisfying vegetarian hash? Start with par-cooked potatoes that are pan-fried until golden, add a healthy dose of crispy kale and Brussels sprouts, then top the hash with a couple of poached or fried eggs—maybe some hot sauce. Brunch is served!

    Crispy Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Potato Hash

  • Bacon, Cheese, and Kale Strata

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    Kale not only breaks up the cheesy layering of bacon, egg, and bread in this recipe, but also adds a fiber-rich green vegetable to balance out the dish. The beauty of this savory bread pudding is that you can assemble it ahead and pop it in the oven in the morning, making it ideal brunch fare.

    Bacon, Cheese, and Kale Strata

  • Pasta With Beans and Greens

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    Pairing a pantry staple like white beans with kale is a simple and easy way to pack nutrition into a pasta dish. Garlic, anchovies, and dried chiles form the flavor base while the bean liquid helps to create a creamy sauce that beautifully coats the noodles.

    Pasta With Beans and Greens

  • Hearty Vegan Polenta and Kale Soup With Miso and Toasted Sesame Oil

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    Leave it to Kenji to take a classic Italian hearty polenta and kale soup and give it a Japanese twist. Here, he replaces the Parmesan with toasted sesame oil, light miso, soy sauce, and sliced scallion for a complex, rich umami flavor—making it completely vegan and totally satisfying.

    Hearty Vegan Polenta and Kale Soup With Miso and Toasted Sesame Oil

    Continue to 9 of 23 below.

  • Spanakopita (Greek Savory Greens Pie)

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    An oldie-but-goodie gets a reboot with Sohla's new-and-improved version of spanakopita, which includes a variety of greens and herbs. While this recipe is designed to utilize tender greens like arugula and spinach—as opposed to heartier ones like kale and collards—you can always use baby kale if you'd like.

    Spanakopita (Greek Savory Greens Pie)

  • Stir-Fried Farro With Garlicky Kale and Poached Egg

    Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (12)

    Cooking the farro ahead of time in this recipes turns what could be considered a "slow food" meal into a doable and well-rounded weekday breakfast alternative to oatmeal or cereal. All you have to do is add some shredded kale sautéed with shallots and garlic, perk things up with a little red wine vinegar, and finish with poached eggs.

    Stir-Fried Farro With Garlicky Kale and Poached Egg

  • Easy Kale Quiche

    Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (13)

    What better way to use up a big bunch of kale than to pack it into a cheesy quiche. A coating of butter and bread crumbs keeps the quiche from sticking to the pan and adds a nice bit of crispy browning around the edges.

    Easy Kale Quiche

  • Spanish-Style Migas With Chorizo, Peppers, and Kale

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    Wilted kale balances out all the porky richness of the chorizo and crispy pork belly in this Spanish-style migas. Ideal for weeknight dinner or weekend brunch, it's also a great way to use up stale bread and whatever veg you've got knocking about in the produce bin.

    Spanish-Style Migas With Chorizo, Peppers, and Kale

    Continue to 13 of 23 below.

  • Stir-Fried Beef With Kale and Frisée in Black Bean Sauce

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    The key to stir-frying greens with tougher stems like kale is to separate the stems from the leaves and give the former a head start in hot oil. Then, it's just a matter of adding the stir-fried stems and leaves back into the wok once the beef and sauce are almost done for a final toss.

    Stir-Fried Beef With Kale and Frisée in Black Bean Sauce

  • Bok Choy and Kale Fried Rice With Fried Garlic

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    Fried garlic, kale, and bok choy are a match made in heaven—especially in a vegetarian fried rice. Using the garlic frying oil to stir-fry the rice and greens intensifies the overall garlic aroma.

    Bok Choy and Kale Fried Rice With Fried Garlic

  • Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage)

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    Hailing from from northern Portugal, this potato, sausage, and kale soup is tailor-made for lazy chilly days when you want something comforting and easy to prep. It's another one-pot wonder that's ready in about 40 minutes. We recommend using both starchy and waxy potatoes for textural contrast.

    Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage)

  • Skillet Spaghetti alla Carbonara with Kale

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    Okay, carbonara purists may scoff at the idea of adding kale to this Italian classic—but hey, don't knock it until you've tried it! Crisping the kale up in rendered bacon fat means it absorbs all that rich flavor, a bonus in my book. Plus, it rounds out the dish so you've got a complete meal.

    Spaghetti alla Carbonara with Kale

    Continue to 17 of 23 below.

  • Skillet Kale and Pumpkin Pasta

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    You can whip up this one-skillet marvel in about 20 minutes—just grab a bag of pre-cut orange-flesh squash. Bat wing-like farfalle pasta, pumpkin, and Tuscan kale (a.k.a. cavolo nero) totally give off Halloween vibes and are ideal for a quick fall dinner.

    Skillet Kale and Pumpkin Pasta

  • Easy Sausage, Kale, and Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Lemon and Rosemary

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    A flavorful sausage and aromatics like garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest are the secret to transforming dried beans and kale into a ridiculously easy to make soup. A good soak in salted water improves the texture of the beans.

    Easy Sausage, Kale, and Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Lemon and Rosemary

  • Cheesy Mashed White Beans With Kale, Parmesan, and a Fried Egg

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    Mashed canned white beans are a clever hack for those times when you're just too lazy to make proper grits. Top it with sautéed kale and a fried egg and you've got yourself a savory breakfast of champions.

    Cheesy Mashed White Beans With Kale, Parmesan, and a Fried Egg

  • Charred Kale Pizza With Garlic

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    There's no denying that kale on pizza is more than just a fad—when done well, it's freaking amazing! Take this version with a crispy base of garlic and nutty Alpine cheese, which is baked part way before the kale is added to avoid burning.

    Charred Kale Pizza With Garlic

    Continue to 21 of 23 below.

  • Vegan Braised Kale and Chickpea Sandwich With Sumac Onions

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    Inspired by a braised kale sandwich he had at Cutty's in Brookline, MA, Kenji created this deliciously messy vegan version with a juicy filling of kale, chickpeas, and sumac onions. Any bread will do here, but we're partial to pizza bianco or focaccia.

    Vegan Braised Kale and Chickpea Sandwich With Sumac Onions

  • Kale Pineapple Basil Smash

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    Kale in smoothies is a thing—but kale in a co*cktail? When it's juiced and blended with rye whiskey, fresh pineapple juice, and muddled fresh basil into a delightfully sweet-tart and herbaceous drink...uh, yes, please!

    Kale Pineapple Basil Smash

  • Spicy-Tart Kale Limeade

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    If non-alcoholic is more your style, this kale drink is a cross between a refreshing mocktail and a green juice—with a spicy kick—blended with ginger, apple, and coconut water.

    Spicy-Tart Kale Limeade

Power Up With These 23 Kale Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most delicious way to eat kale? ›

  1. 01 of 10. Add It to Homemade Hummus. Jennifer Causey. ...
  2. 02 of 10. Stir It Into Soups. ...
  3. 03 of 10. Sneak It Into Pesto. ...
  4. 04 of 10. Blend It Into a Smoothie. ...
  5. 05 of 10. Bake Some Crispy Kale Chips. ...
  6. 06 of 10. Fold It Into Eggs, Quiches, and Frittatas. ...
  7. 07 of 10. Sprinkle It on Pizza. ...
  8. 08 of 10. Wilt It Down for a Steak-House-Worthy Side.
Jul 20, 2023

Does kale taste better cooked or raw? ›

Sautéing – this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy kale as the cooking makes it easier to chew and provides a more subtle flavor that makes sautéed kale very versatile. It also shrinks it down a bit so it's easier to eat more!

How do you cook kale so it is not tough? ›

In a large saucepan bring about 2 cups of water and a large pinch of salt (⅛ to ¼ tsp.) to boiling. Add 12 ounces torn kale. Return to boiling. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.

Should kale be blanched before sauteing? ›

The thing about most greens is that they tend to be bitter, and some, like collard and kale, a little tough as well. Blanching before sautéing can help take the edge off the bitterness, and soften the greens.

Why do I feel so good after eating kale? ›

Kale is a nutritious food rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It also contains nutrients that can support eye health, weight management, heart health, and more. Loaded with important micronutrients and antioxidants, kale is one of the most nutritious leafy greens available.

How do you make kale taste better? ›

and then the key. is to massage it well to get bitterness out of the kale. make a dressing of olive oil white wine vinegar. maple syrup lemon juice garlic Dijon and salt. give it a good shake up.

Is kale better for you than spinach? ›

"However, if you are looking for a food that is particularly high in fiber, vitamins K and C, kale is a better choice," she said. "If you are looking for a food that is particularly high in folate and a source of iron, and vitamins A and E, then spinach is a better choice."

Is kale an anti-inflammatory? ›

Kale contains phytochemicals, sulfur-containing indolic glucosinolates, and aliphatic glucosinolates that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity [18].

Can you eat kale everyday? ›

Manganiello says you can eat kale every day, just don't overdo it. She recommends one to two servings maximum of kale per day, leaving room for other healthy foods that provide an assortment of nutrients.

How long does kale last in fridge? ›

Typical shelf life: Generally, kale can last in the fridge for about five to seven days. The key is to store it correctly to maintain its crispness and nutrients. Impact of temperature and humidity: Kale prefers a cool and slightly humid environment, so the crisper drawer in your fridge is ideal.

What tenderizes kale? ›

Soaking kale in warm water can also work to tenderize it. The dip into the water will also serve to clean it in preparation for a favorite kale recipe. This technique will help to improve the flavor after you have chopped it on your board with a sharp kitchen knife.

What can I add to kale to make it less bitter? ›

Adding salt and squeezing lemon make a big difference by removing bitterness. Adding some spicy or sweet flavors may help tame the strong flavor of bitter kale.

Why is my sauteed kale bitter? ›

Much like in onions and garlic, kale's bitterness is only formed when the vegetable is sliced, chopped, massaged, or chewed. When cells in a leaf of kale are intact, an enzyme called myrosinase and sulfur-containing compound glucosinolate are separated from one another.

What happens if you don't blanch kale before freezing? ›

Kale can be frozen without blanching but should be used within 4 weeks. Blanching greens before freezing stops the naturally-occurring ripening enzymes in the leaves. This will ensure that the leaves taste fresh and will not develop a bitter taste. Blanched kale will last up to 1 year in the freezer.

Why does massaging kale make it taste better? ›

Massaging dressing into kale helps to physically break down the tough fibres in the leafy green, making it much softer, tastier, and easier to digest. It also makes kale salad taste SOO much better compared to kale that hasn't been massaged.

How do you prepare kale for eating? ›

Cut the kale as you want to serve it, set it in a colander or steamer over a pot of boiling shallow water, cover and cook until the kale is tender (about 5 to 10 minutes). Allow the kale to cool until you can handle it, then squeeze out as much water as you can. Serve steamed kale warm or at room temperature.

Is it better to steam or boil kale? ›

Each gives very different taste experiences. If you like a more mild and tender flavor, steam it. If you want crispy edges and browned notes, give the greens a quick saute.

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