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.
Karen from Globetrotter Diaries says
I've never tried crisping them up like this! I LOVE kale, can't get enough of it. I eat it raw as a salad or torn into soup. And of course so good for ya!
Deb @ knitstamatic says
What a fantastic idea! I didn't start eating kale until about 8 or so years ago, I don't really recall seeing in the store before then. I bet kale powder would be good sprinkled on a lot of things like potatoes and other veggies. 🙂
Wenderly says
O.k. I *really* need to jump on the kale bandwagon. That just looks so beautiful!
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
What a great idea, Sylvie! I'm especially intrigued at the idea of it on popcorn. Definitely going to try this the next time I bake up some kale chips.
Barbara says
I love this idea. I have not seen kale in our shops but I will experiment with silverbeet leaves.
Sylvie says
I think that would be a perfect substitute. I will try it as well.
thelittleloaf says
What an interesting idea! My mum's been cooking kale for years and I love it's rich, earthy, leafy green goodness so can imagine it would make a really intense, flavourful powder. Can you put some of the recipes you used it in up please?!
Jennifer (Delicieux) says
What a great way to use kale! I've never thought of turning it into a powder and using it in salads and vinaigrettes. So clever!
joey says
i definitely used to be intimidated by kale. now i eat it with pastas or just steamed & served with coconut butter & sea salt. my sister makes kale chips - soo addicting.
love the powder idea! ingenious!
Trudy ~ Veggie num num says
Such a simple way to add more green power to your diet!! Love the lush green of the kale in that first shot, beautiful!!
@yumivore says
Gorgeous shots! I've been enjoying kale quite a bit at home. A new favorite way is a banana-kale almond milk smoothie. Odd, but delicious.