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.
marla says
Sylvie, this is such a smart idea. I have enjoyed kale in every which way, but never ground into a powder. You are right, the applications are endless! The vinaigrette sounds awesome 🙂
Patricia Scarpin says
One of the side dishes that are served with feijoada - I love kale! Quickly cooked in a little butter and bacon bits... Divine!
Love your photos, Sylvie!
sippitysup says
You know I have eaten kale my whole life. I have even always liked it. But it's just been recently that I wasn't ashamed to admit that! I am happy to see kale move to the front of the culinary line. GREG
Skylar says
that idea is fantastico!! can't WAIT to try it! store tomorrow? I think yes!
Sylvie says
It makes me happy to see people get excited about kale!
Tracy says
I tried kale for the first time last year when we got some in our CSA bag. I made kale chips and just love it now!
Jessica says
Wow I really love this idea. I had kale chips recently for the first time and fell in love with them. Do you think baking them loses any nutrients? I am going to try this next time I get kale at the market. Thanks for sharing!
Joyti says
I usually saute kale...I've never had kale chips, much less kale powder. It does seem like it would add a bright green touch of umami, its so savory and delicious....
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
I actually LOVE kale. I'm not sure why! But, this looks like a great idea! I'm dreaming of how delicious it would be on some popcorn. 🙂
Delishhh says
Ok i do not eat kale enough - i am one of those people - i find it too grass like 🙂 I prefer spinach and other greens. But this is a FABULOUS idea - i am going to do this - just to get my vitamins in there 🙂 Love it!
Sneh | Cook Republic says
Don't you just love those A-Ha!! moments? I am smiling thinking about the power this recipe would give me over my boys, feeding them kale and they wouldn't be any wiser, lol. Thnx for that!