45 Different Ways to Eat Kale When You Can't Get Enough Leafy Greens
Whether you like your kale cooked or raw, fresh or frozen, try these recipes that taste good and are good for you.
If you haven't gotten onboard with the kale craze, it's about time you did — this cruciferous leafy green is one of the most versatile staples in a kitchen, and it may be one of the healthiest. You can massage it into a bountiful seasonal salad that everyone will enjoy, or ladle out a luxe bowl of soup or stew with plenty of satin-like kale ribbons; it even turns up our favorite baked pasta dishes up a notch. Kale can be swapped for some of our starchiest carbohydrates, and it can be blended into delicious dressings and sauces. What's not to love?!
Of course, the real allure of kale for some is the fact that it's majorly packed with nutrients but totally free of all those extra calories. Since kale is imbued with naturally occurring phytonutrients when it's harvested, it acts as a bit of a superfood when regularly eaten. Antioxidants and other nutrients in kale can help reduce your risk of chronic disease like diabetes; it's loaded with carotenoids to help keep your eyes sharp; and its potassium and magnesium counts counteracts extra sodium in your diet. Plus, it's a great source of calcium, making it a must have for those who are avoiding dairy altogether.
If you're looking for more than just salads, we have you covered, as we're presenting some of our favorite ways to load up on kale in our kitchens. Pick up a few bunches at your local grocer (or fresh from the yard!) and try incorporating them into sides, soups, pizzas, pastas, and even desserts! These recipes celebrate the queens of greens in all her forms.
Spicy Sausage, Kale, and Goat Cheese Pizza
Whether you use store-bought or homemade dough, the right toppings will beat delivery every time.
Get the recipe for Spicy Sausage, Kale, and Goat Cheese Pizza »
Chickpea and Kale Soup
The best soups and stews are actually rather straightforward, including this 5-ingredient soup. It's finished with fresh parmesan as a garnish for serving.
Pumpkin Kale Turkey Sausage Spaghetti Pie
This spaghetti pie seriously eats like a warm hug on an icy winter's night — you'll have a hard time believing a single slice will only set you back 280 calories.
Arugula-Kale Harvest Salad
Between the avocados, squash, and salami, you know you're not going to get hungry an hour after digging into this hearty mix.
Get the recipe for Arugula-Kale Harvest Salad »
RELATED: 20 Easy Fall Salads to Make the Most of Harvest Season
Steak and Rye Panzanella
This party-in-a-bowl is a great addition to any summer soirée. At under 500 calories, it's like a better-for-you lunch that riffs on a deconstructed steak sandwich.
Tuscan Sausage and Kale Frittata
Finally, there's a way to incorporate cheese and marinara sauce with your morning kale.
Get the recipe for Tuscan Sausage and Kale Frittata »
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Steak With Kale and White-Bean Mash
You don't have to serve steak with potatoes. This garlicky side with cannellini beans and parsnips might give the classic baked spud a run for its money.
Salmon With Skyr and Sauteed Kale
This Nordic-inspired fish dinner is complete with mushrooms, Icelandic yogurt, and of course, kale.
Soybean Pasta With Kale Pesto and Squash
This trio of flavors and textures makes for a healthy and colorful pasta dish — we promise!
Get the recipe for Soybean Pasta With Kale Pesto and Squash »
Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni With Smoky Bread Crumbs
Kale doesn't always have to be the star of the show. Sometimes it's just a simple way to add more color on your plate.
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni With Smoky Bread Crumbs »
Pork With Crispy Kale
This might be the most delicious way to cook kale, ever. Feel the crunch!
Shrimp Packets With Kale Couscous
The best part of foil packets: No pots and pans to clean. Added bonus? This hack of a flavorful dinner is ready in 25 minutes.
Sweet Potato Cakes With Kale and Bean Salad
Black beans and edamame give this plant-based dinner a major protein boost.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Cakes With Kale and Bean Salad »
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
A pasta dish under 400 calories? We are so here for this. Try chickpea noodles for even more plant power.
Kale Salad With Chicken
Step up your lunch game this week with a help of this filling, flavorful salad. Seriously, how good does this look?
Garlicky Kale and Pea Sauté
Is your Sunday table looking a little bare? Whip up these garlicky greens in no time at all.
Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Hey trendsetters, eat this one up — kale and cauliflower in the same dish.
Get the recipe for Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad »
RELATED: 30 Crazy-Delicious Cauliflower Recipes You Can't Miss
Potato-Kale Soup With Crispy Chorizo
If you love baked potato soup, give this green version a go. Pureed celery and kale lighten it up for a weekday dinner or brightly colored appetizer.
Kale Pesto Pasta
Yes, you can make pesto from scratch using kale — but why stop there? Fold in more tender ribbons of kale into the pasta bowl to make it feel so much more substantial.
Crispy Kale Chips
Bye, 'taters! You can pop lightly salted and quickly battered kale bits and ends into the oven, and you'll have a better-for-you snack that'll have you feeling great about seconds.
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