Want to eat more kale but not sure where to start? Like us, you might be on a mission to get more leafy greens into your diet. So try this list of delicious kale recipes: absolutely delicious and chock full of nutrients and fiber. These are all the best ways to eat this leafy green, from kale chips to kale salad to kale lasagna. Ready to start tasting?
And now, our best kale recipes!
Kale nutrition
Let’s talk nutrition. Leafy greens like kale are some of the healthiest foods you can eat! Kale is full of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. One cup of raw kale is only 33 calories, 6 grams of carbs (2 of which are fiber), and 3 grams of protein. Because of its low calorie content, kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Eating more of this cruciferous vegetable is a great way to increase the total nutrient content of your diet. So the big takeaway: eat more kale! Try one of the kale recipes above. Scroll down for the recipe!
Types of kale
There are a few main types of kale you can find at the grocery store. Here’s a breakdown:
Tuscan kale has dark green, flat leaves and a mellow flavor. It’s also sometimes called Lacinato or dinosaur kale. It’s common in Italian dishes like our Best Kale Salad or Tuscan Vegetable Stew (Ribollita). Curly kale is brighter green and very curly! Curly kale can have a bitter and spicy flavor. If you’re eating it raw, make sure to massage it like in our Massaged Kale Pomegranate Salad, which removes the bitterness and gives it a sweeter flavor. Baby kale is often included in leafy green mixes that are sold in boxes in grocery stores. You can also often find it at farmer’s markets. Baby kale has a super mild flavor and is much more tender. You won’t have to cut baby kale since it’s already in small leaves.
Video: How to cut kale
Wondering how to stem kale or chop kale but not sure the best way? Here’s one that is slick and simple. Use this when you’re testing out some of the kale recipes above! 5 from 1 review
2 bunches Tuscan kale ¼ cup Italian panko (gluten-free as necessary)* ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shavings
For the Caesar dressing (makes 1 cup; use ½ cup), or substitute vegan Caesar
1 medium garlic clove, minced or grated ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons lemon juice (1/2 lemon) ¼ cup mayonnaise ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce (or omit) 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
