15 Best Kale Recipes to Make Everyone Love Leafy Greens
It’s hearty, healthy, and delicious!
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There’s no denying that kale is a nutritional powerhouse! It's one of the reasons why the leafy green became so popular to begin with. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins K and C, kale is a no-brainer when it comes to healthy dinner recipes. Even Ree Drummond is a fan of the stuff. "I'm a huge lover of kale," she says, "It just makes you feel like Wonder Woman. Or Super Man. Whichever fits." Over the years, Ree has come up with tons of kale recipes, including kale salads, pasta recipes, side dishes, and more.
One of Ree's favorite ways to prepare kale is with a simple pan fry. "The great thing about kale is, it's most delicious when prepared very simply: Just throw it into a sizzling skillet with olive oil and garlic, and a world of glory will open up for you!" But you can also get creative with your kale recipes by adding it to a cheesy skillet lasagna, braising it with your favorite chicken recipes, or even turning it into a healthy green smoothie! We've also included a recipe for making your own kale chips, which might just become your new favorite healthy snack. Whether you're growing the leafy green in your vegetable garden or just find some at the supermarket, read on for all the ways to use kale!
Sausage and Kale Quiche
Hearty kale add a boost of healthy goodness to this breakfast recipe. It'll help start your day off on the right foot.
Get Ree's Sausage and Kale Quiche recipe.
Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale
If you like a satisfying crunch, then this easy dinner is for you! Both the coconut-crusted shrimp and the kale and potato side get crispy in the oven.
Get Ree's Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale recipe.
Mushroom and Kale Skillet Lasagna
Layers of cheesy ravioli, kale, and mushrooms make this white sauce "lasagna" easy and flavorful! It's a weeknight dinner your family will love.
Get Ree's Mushroom and Kale Skillet Lasagna recipe.
Kale Salad with Salmon
This kale salad becomes a hearty main course thanks to the addition of oven-roasted salmon. It's a quick and healthy way to get dinner on the table in less than an hour!
Get Ree's Kale Salad with Salmon recipe.
Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage
Turn two popular veggies (kale and butternut squash) into a flavorful pasta recipe loaded with spicy Italian sausage. It's simple, but so good!
Get Ree's Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage recipe.
Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Baby kale leaves are thinner and more tender than regular kale so they're perfect for this leafy green salad. Add fresh fruits, nuts, and a strawberry vinaigrette for a burst of tangy-sweetness.
Get the Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette recipe.
Kale Pasta Salad
This simple pasta salad is so versatile. Just take Ree's word for it: "It's great as a cold salad… but it's also delicious heated up in a bowl and served warm."
Get Ree's Kale Pasta Salad recipe.
Pan-Fried Kale
You'll want to make this beautiful green side dish with just about anything—from steak to chicken to fish. It's simple, garlicky, and super-quick!
Get Ree's Pan-Fried Kale recipe.
Chicken Kale Pasta
This recipe is made up of chicken, veggies, pasta, and a delicious white wine sauce. The best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes!
Get Ree's Chicken Kale Pasta recipe.
Kale Citrus Salad
If there's one salad that Ree could have over and over again, it would be this kale citrus salad. It's what she calls "the most delicious salad I'd ever had in my life."
Get Ree's Kale Citrus Salad recipe.
One-Pot Braised Chicken and Kale
This easy one-pot dinner combines chicken thighs, kale, and white beans in a skillet for a comforting dish the whole family will love. You can serve it on it's own or add a side of mashed potatoes or rice.
Get the One-Pot Braised Chicken and Kale recipe at The Modern Proper.
Kale Pesto Pizza
This recipe uses kale two ways: the leafy green is blended into homemade pesto instead of basil and chopped kale is used as a topping for the pie. It's a double dose of goodness!
Kale Smoothie
If your new to kale, this is a great place to start! The pineapple, banana, and peanut butter all help to hide the flavor of the kale so your left with a sweet and tart smoothie!
Kale Chips
It might sound strange but kale chips are positively addicting! They're crunchy, salty, and good for you, too!
Get the Kale Chips recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
This 5-ingredient potluck recipe has all the flavor of a traditional Caesar salad, but it's even heartier thanks to bowtie noodles, kale, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes.
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