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.
Lora @cakeduchess says
Hi Sylvie! I buy kale once a week and usually add it to an Italian bean soup or I make it w/chopped tomatoes and pasta (and other ingredients). I really like the idea of adding kale powered to a vinaigrette. Gorgeous photos!!
Lael Hazan @educatedpalate says
Your pictures are lush and beautiful and make we want to start working with kale again. I must admit I overdosed when it was found all over the farmer's markets. I tend to enjoy Kale in soups, but I'd like to try roasting it again. Thanks
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I admit that the only use I've had for Kale is in a copycate soup recipe of Olive Garden's potato soup. And I will admit that I've seen recipes for kale chips all over the internet...and I've still not decided to try them. I think this might just be the way for me to get on the kale bandwagon. 🙂
Kristen says
This is just so smart, Sylvie!! I can't wait to try it.
foodwanderings says
Sylvie, I mightily like the kale powder sprinkle it over everything for extra visual sprinkle and a boost of vitamins.
Pam says
The kale chips idea sounds good. I remember when I was younger (and healthier), we ate a lot of kale out of our garden. But we never did anything quite as creative as you have come up in sprinkling that powder. Maybe over roasted potatoes...
Sylvie says
Yes, that sounds perfect!
EA-The Spicy RD says
I've made sauteed kale (it's great w/ sesame oil,tamari, and ginger), and kale chips, but never made kale powder...Great idea! And, beautiful photos as always 🙂
Heather says
Love this! Can't wait to try it out for myself. Beautiful photos too. 🙂
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets says
Love kale and this is such a unique way to use it. Great idea!
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour says
Wow- what a great way to get kale! Perhaps I can even sneak it in on my kids somewhere!