10+ Kale Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that many people enjoy for its taste and health benefits. It’s easy to cook with and can be used in many different ways.

You can find simple and tasty kale recipes that fit your meals, whether you want a quick side dish or something more filling. Cooking with kale adds nutrients to your food while keeping it delicious and fresh.

1) Sautéed Garlic Kale

Sautéed garlic kale is an easy and tasty way to enjoy this healthy green. Start by heating olive oil in a pan.

Add minced garlic to release its flavor. Next, add chopped kale with a pinch of salt and some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Cook the kale just until it is wilted but still bright green, about 5 to 7 minutes. This dish makes a great side for dinner or a quick snack.

It’s simple, healthy, and packed with garlic flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Toss in the kale with salt and red pepper flakes.
4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until kale is wilted but still green.
5. Serve warm.

2) Kale and Lentil Soup

Kale and lentil soup is a simple and healthy meal you can make any day. The soup combines tender green lentils with fresh kale and other vegetables like carrots and onions.

It’s filling and full of protein and fiber to keep you energized. Add garlic and herbs for flavor, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the taste.

Cooking this soup is straightforward. Simmer the lentils until they soften, then add chopped kale toward the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.

The mix of veggies and lentils makes it a great choice if you want something warm and nourishing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp herbs (thyme or rosemary)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Add lentils, broth, salt, pepper, and herbs; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Add balsamic vinegar if desired and serve warm.

Try this Lentil Kale Soup recipe for more details.

3) Italian Lacinato Kale Salad

This Italian Lacinato kale salad is simple and tasty. Start by finely shredding the kale, which helps it become tender.

Massage the kale with a little oil and lemon juice to break it down and make it easier to eat. Add toasted nuts like pecans for crunch.

Shredded Brussels sprouts and sharp pecorino cheese make the salad more flavorful. A touch of olive oil and a bit of salt bring all the flavors together.

This salad works well as a side dish or light lunch. It’s fresh, healthy, and uses ingredients you probably have already.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Lacinato kale, finely shredded
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ¼ cup shredded Brussels sprouts
• ¼ cup pecorino cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Remove kale stems and finely shred the leaves.
2. Massage kale with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until tender.
3. Add toasted pecans, shredded Brussels sprouts, and pecorino cheese.
4. Toss everything well and serve immediately.

4) Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta is simple and quick to make. You get tender kale mixed with pasta and a tasty garlic and cheese flavor.

Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil and butter. Add kale and cook until it’s soft and bright green.

Toss cooked pasta with the kale and garlic, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. This dish works well for a quick dinner or meal prep.

It’s filling but still light and healthy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb kale, chopped
• 1/2 lb angel hair pasta
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add kale and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix pasta into the kale and garlic.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

For more details, see Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta recipes.

5) Kale and Quinoa Grain Bowl

This kale and quinoa grain bowl is a simple, healthy meal you can enjoy any time. Start with cooked quinoa as the base, which is full of protein and fiber.

Add fresh kale for crunch and nutrients. Roasted sweet potatoes make the bowl warm and comforting.

You can also add veggies like chickpeas or bell peppers to boost flavor and texture. Finish it with a light dressing or seeds like pepitas for a tasty touch.

This dish is easy to customize, so feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or dressings. You can eat it warm or cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups chopped fresh kale
• 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup chickpeas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons pepitas (optional)
• Dressing of your choice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
3. Massage kale with a little olive oil to soften.
4. Combine quinoa, kale, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas in a bowl.
5. Drizzle with dressing and top with pepitas before serving.

For more ideas, check out this kale harvest grain bowl recipe.

6) Simple Lemon Kale Sauté

This simple lemon kale sauté is a quick and healthy side dish you can easily make. It uses just a few ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to bring out the natural flavors of kale.

Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté it for a minute until it smells good.

Add the kale, stirring until it wilts and becomes tender. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the kale.

The lemon adds a bright, fresh taste that balances the slight bitterness of the greens. A pinch of salt helps bring it all together.

Ingredients

• 8 cups kale, chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add kale and cook, stirring often, until wilted (about 5 minutes).
4. Squeeze lemon juice over kale and stir well.
5. Season with salt and serve.

For more details, check this lemon garlic kale recipe.

7) Spicy Red Pepper Kale Stir-Fry

Spicy red pepper kale stir-fry is a quick and tasty way to enjoy your greens. You’ll get a nice crunch from the red bell peppers mixed with tender kale.

A little heat adds a flavorful kick without being too strong. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant.

Add sliced red peppers and cook for a minute. Toss in chopped kale, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the spice.

Finish with soy sauce and, if you like, a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish goes well with rice or noodles for an easy, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium red bell peppers, sliced
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add red bell peppers, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add kale, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
5. Pour in soy sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Serve hot, sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

For a detailed recipe, check the spicy stir-fried kale and red pepper guide here.

8) Kale and Three Cheese Pizza

You’ll love the mix of kale with three different cheeses on this pizza. Cook the kale in grape seed oil with a bit of garlic powder to add flavor.

Brush your pizza crust with olive oil before adding the kale and cheeses. The combination of cheeses melts into a rich, creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the kale’s slight crunch.

Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Ingredients

• Pizza crust
• 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• Olive oil for brushing
• Three cheeses (such as mozzarella, fontina, and gruyere), shredded

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat grape seed oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add kale and garlic powder, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Brush pizza crust with olive oil.
4. Spread cooked kale evenly on the crust.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheeses on top.
6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts and crust browns.

9) Winter Penne with Kale

This dish is perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and comforting. You cook penne pasta with tender kale and sweet winter squash for a tasty mix.

Add a little bacon fat or olive oil for rich flavor. The kale cooks quickly and stays bright green.

It pairs well with the pasta and the natural sweetness of the squash. Add a sprinkle of cheese or chili flakes if you like a bit of spice.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 cups cubed winter squash
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chili flakes or grated cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat bacon fat or olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add cubed squash and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in kale and cook 3 minutes until bright green.
5. Combine pasta with squash and kale. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes or cheese. Serve warm.

For more details, see this winter squash and bacon penne recipe here.

10) Kale Power Bars

Kale power bars give you a healthy boost during the day. They combine crispy roasted kale with oats, seeds, and nut butter for energy.

Add dried fruit or nuts to make them even tastier. These bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.

Dry the kale well before roasting for the best crunch. Find a simple recipe for crispy kale bars here.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crispy roasted kale
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup dried fruit (goji berries or apricots)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Mix kale, oats, seeds, and dried fruit in a bowl.

3. Warm nut butter and honey together until smooth.

4. Combine all ingredients well.

5. Press the mixture into a baking pan.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

7. Let the bars cool before cutting.