From homemade crackers to salads, soups and smoothies here are 10 easy and delicious vegetarian kale recipes so you can eat more greens.
While the kale craze may have ended, it still remains one of my favorite leafy greens to cook with to this day. Hearty, healthy, readily available all year long it’s a super versatile and easy addition to all kinds of meals. It keeps well in the refrigerator, doesn’t wilt easily like salad greens when dressed and holds its shape better than spinach when cooked. And sure it’s good for you, but it also happens to be delicious.
So with that in mind, I’ve put together a list of kale recipes that will have you loading your cart up with the infamous leafy green on your next trip to the grocery store. From homemade crackers to salads, soups and smoothies here are 10 ways to eat more kale.
1. Kale Crackers
Because these flourless crackers are made with a mixture of kale and seeds instead of flour they’re more nutrient dense than most crackers. They also happen to be one the easiest crackers you can make at home.
2. Vegan Creamed Kale
Turn your favorite leafy green into a delicious vegan creamed kale gratin by baking it in the oven with a creamy cashew sauce and gluten-free crumb topping.
3. Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli and Kale
Piled high with roasted broccoli and kale and drizzled with a creamy green sauce, these vegan stuffed sweet potatoes make for a satisfying meatless main.
4. Kale Pesto Kelp Noodles
Looking to add a bit more green to your diet? Kale is the secret to these pesto kelp noodles.
5. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Kale
Zucchini noodles are tossed with ribbons of kale, sun-dried tomatoes and a pesto dressing for a simple but sturdy salad packed with lots of flavor.
6. Egg Drop Soup with Kale
Brothy eggs soups like Italian Stracciatella are an age old comfort; this one features ribbons of silky kale.
7. Kale Lentil Salad
Kale’s sturdy leaves are a natural match for a hearty lentil salad that’s filled with roasted carrots, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.
8. Root Vegetable Kale Salad
This kale salad features a base of shredded kale topped with roasted root vegetables and a creamy turmeric dressing.
9. Kale Asian Chopped Salad
This Asian inspired salad features ribbons of kale, cabbage and carrots tossed in a maple-sesame dressing.
10. Pineapple Kale Smoothie
Healthy and refreshing this green smoothie is filled with kale paired with sweet pineapple and a squeeze of lemon juice for tartness.
Bonus:
Swiss Chard Tart
This quiche-like tart can easily be made with kale instead of chard.
Enjoy!
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Sanjeeta kk says
What lovely clicks, Sylvie! Love the color and the macro shots. Simple yet healthy recipe, beautiful. Getting Kale would be difficult though, bookmarked till I get my hands on these green soon.
The Cilantropist says
Sylvie this idea is genius. Seriously. I haven't always eaten kale either, but since I discovered it, I have been eating it like crazy - so healthy! Thanks for this amazing post!
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
Beautiful! I've got some Kale in the fridge right now. You've got my wheels turning!
Sylvia says
The best inventions are always works by chance. I love kale
Maris(In Good Taste) says
This is so interesting. I too recently discovered and really love kale
Sukaina says
Yes kale is certainly an intimidating veggie for unhealthy people like me. But in small, powdery doses, I'm sure I can manage! What a discovery Sylvie!
Urvashee says
This is very interesting indeed. We've recently been on a health kick and have all kinds of powders in the pantry/fridge. I really like this idea of making your own kale powder-and it's fast and easy.
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says
Genius! I totally get how good this must be. You have all my attention on sprinkling on popcorns. I don't see Kale much here and can be only bought at specialty stores. The first time I tried Kale chips I really liked them but I realized they turn a bit too dark for me. I dried them enough but should get my salad spinner out to completely dry out next time.
Maria @ Scandifoodie says
This is a great idea! I adore kale!
Rosa says
Very interesting! Your pictures are amazing.
Cheers,
Rosa