20+ Amazing Kale Recipes (2024)

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 01/31/2023Updated: 02/06/2023

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It doesn’t have to be kale chips every single time. Try these kale recipes and learn to really love all the different sides of kale.

Kale. We can debate if it is a power food, a trend food or a food that is on its way out, but regardless of its category, I love the stuff. Any vegetable that can be anything from a chip to the base of a salad to a great participant in a hearty winter soup is A-okay by me.

I almost always buy kale when I go to the store. The trick is to wash it right away so that it’s ready to use. There’s no excuses then.

I can’t wait to try all these great recipes. Which one are you going to start with?

How to Prep kale

Fill up a very large bowl or your clean sink with fresh cold water.

Cut off the thick middle stems or remove the stems by running your hands down the stem, tearing the leafy part off as you go.

Place the kale leaves in the water and swish them around. All the dirt will fall off the leaves and sink to the bottom of your bowl or sink.

Remove leaves from water and dry well. A salad spinner works great for this! If you don’t have one, lay the kale out on paper towels or a lint-free towel and dry thoroughly.

Store in an airtight container with a paper towel. The paper towel absorbs any extra moisture and helps keep the kale fresh.

Different Varieties of Kale

Buying kale can be a little confusing! Here’s an overview of common types of kale. There are also many other, less common, types of kale, but these are the three that you’ll see most often in grocery stores.

Curly Kale

This is the one you’ll most often see in stores. As its name describes, its leaves have curly edges. It is also typically one of the tougher varieties. We recommend either chopping it quite small, or if you’re using it in a salad, massage the leaves with the dressing you’re using to soften the leaves.

Lacinato Kale

Lacinato kale is sometimes also know as Tuscan Kale or Dinosaur Kale. It is typically darker green than curly kale and slightly more tender. The leaves are flatter and smaller than curly kale.

Baby Kale

Often sold with the pre-packaged salad greens, baby kale features smaller, more tender leaves. It’s great for a quick salad because the leaves are tender and small.

20 Kale Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Kale Soup Recipe

Slow cooker chicken kale soup simmers all day for a healthy, hearty dinner that's ready when you are. It's packed with lean chicken, lots of leafy green kale, cannellini beans, and loads of flavor.

Check out this recipe

Stuffed Butternut Squash (Quinoa, Kale & Bacon)

Full of the goodness of fall, stuffed butternut squash is a noteworthy meal and super nutritious!

Check out this recipe

One Pan Gnocchi with Kale, Sundried Tomatoes, and Mushrooms

Try one pan gnocchi with kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms for a truly delicious vegetarian entree or filling side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Kale and Pear Salad with Yogurt Dressing

With the surprising addition of fresh mint leaves, this kale and pear salad combines tender kale, juicy ripe pears, briny feta cheese, and a sprinkling of savory granola, topped with a creamy yogurt dressing.

Check out this recipe

Creamy Kale Bruschetta

Reminiscent of spinach dip, creamy kale bruschetta will knock your socks off. Crisp bread topped with warm, creamy sauteéd kale, enhanced by a hint of garlic and nutmeg, make this appetizer irresistible.

Check out this recipe

Sweet Kale Salad with Dried Cranberries and Poppy Seed Dressing

This sweet kale salad is a copycat of the popular bagged salad you find in grocery stores — but as always, homemade is way better!

Check out this recipe

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