39 Best Kale Recipes: Delicious Ways to Cook With Kale
Explore an inspired collection of kale recipes—from comforting mains to simple salads and inventive sides—that showcase the green’s unbeatable versatility and nutrition.
Kale, often celebrated for its bold flavor and nutritional punch, has come a long way from being a mere garnish. Whether roasted, braised, blended, or massaged in a salad, this hearty green can do just about anything. This collection presents 39 of the best kale recipes for every mood, season, and meal—perfect for home cooks eager to embrace this powerhouse vegetable.
The Many Faces of Kale
There are several varieties of kale, each bringing its own unique texture and taste:
- Curly Kale: The most common type, with ruffled leaves and a peppery flavor.
- Lacinato Kale: Also known as Tuscan, Dinosaur, or Cavolo Nero; has dark, bumpy leaves and a sweet, earthy flavor.
- Red Russian Kale: Flat, fringed leaves with a reddish hue and mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Baby Kale: Tender and mild, ideal for raw preparations.
Our Best Kale Recipes
1. Miso-Braised Kale With Multigrain Rice
Transform ordinary kale into a comforting, vegetarian rice bowl by braising it with savory miso. Serve over hearty multigrain rice, and finish with scallions and sesame seeds for a dish that’s nutritious and full of umami.
2. Suzanne Goin’s Slow-Cooked Cavolo Nero (Tuscan Kale)
Slow-braise Tuscan kale with rosemary, dried chile, garlic, and onions until meltingly tender. The technique brings out kale’s natural sweetness and yields a side so flavorful, it’s become a menu staple for good reason.
3. Lacinato Kale Gratin
Creamy, cheesy gratin doesn’t have to be limited to potatoes. Thinly sliced Lacinato kale, sharp cheddar, and heavy cream come together in this irresistible oven-baked dish. Crisp up the top for the ultimate comfort food.
4. Slow-Cooked Tuscan Kale with Pancetta, Bread Crumbs, & a Poached Egg
Poach eggs over blanched, sautéed Lacinato kale finished with crispy bread crumbs and savory pancetta for a satisfying brunch or dinner. The slow-cooked greens are buttery soft, and the runny egg ties the whole dish together.
5. One-Pot Kale & Quinoa Pilaf
This one-pot wonder combines nutty quinoa and tender kale for an easy, protein-rich meal. Brightened with lemon zest, scallions, toasted pine nuts, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a complete meal you’ll return to again and again.
6. Northern Spy’s Kale Salad
Inspired by a beloved New York eatery, this kale salad features squash, roasted almonds, and cheddar. Don’t skip the trick of massaging kale with lemon juice to tenderize the leaves and boost their flavor.
7. Linguine with Breadcrumbs & Kale
Linguine tossed with garlicky sautéed kale and crunchy homemade bread crumbs blends classic Italian flavors with a nutritional boost. A generous shower of Parmesan brings it all together.
8. Mustard Cream Rigatoni With Lots of Kale
Rigatoni cloaked in a tangy Dijon cream sauce is chock-full of wilted Tuscan kale. Rich, bold, and unique, it brings a new dimension to weeknight pasta.
9. Cereal Chicken Cutlets With Kid-Approved Kale Salad
Crunchy chicken cutlets—coated in a blend of potato chips and puffed rice cereal—get paired with a bright, lemony kale salad. Tucked into pita pockets, it’s a winning meal for both kids and adults.
10. Soba With Parsley-Pea Pesto & Kale
Buckwheat soba noodles tossed with a fresh, herby pesto and sautéed kale create a light lunch or dinner that feels energizing yet substantial.
11. Kale and Italian Sausage Lasagna With Pumpkin Béchamel
This hearty lasagna layers sweet pumpkin béchamel, savory sausage, and leafy kale between sheets of pasta. It’s a comforting twist on the classic, especially good in the fall.
12. Kale Caesar Salad
Kale stands up beautifully to Caesar dressing—its sturdy leaves remain crisp, even when made ahead. Toss with garlicky croutons and plenty of Parmesan for a salad that could be dinner on its own.
13. White Bean & Sausage Soup With Kale
Beans, sausage, and kale team up in this warming soup, which is as filling as it is simple. Let the kale simmer gently so it softens and absorbs the broth’s savory flavors.
14. Quick Pickled Kale Stems
Don’t toss those kale stems! Quick-pickle them with vinegar, sugar, and spices for an excellent crunchy topping on salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
15. Vegan Lentil Soup With Sweet Potatoes & Kale
Earthy lentils, creamy sweet potatoes, and hearty kale bathe in a spiced vegetable broth. This vegan soup is deeply comforting and great for cold nights.
16. Sweet & Spicy Kale & Squash Pithivier
Bake a double-crusted puff pastry pie stuffed with roasted squash, kale, sweet peppadew peppers, garlic, and onions for a vegetarian centerpiece that feels right at home in winter.
17. Grilled Zucchini With Big Beans, Kale & Mustard Vinaigrette
For summer, toss grilled zucchini, butter beans, and kale in a tangy mustard vinaigrette. This hearty grain-free salad is perfect for picnics and barbecues.
18. Donna Hay’s Pummelled Kale With Golden Cauliflower & Haloumi Croutons
Massage kale with lemon juice and zest, then toss with roasted golden cauliflower and crunchy haloumi croutons for a flavor-packed salad. The trick is massaging the kale until perfectly tender.
19. Kale Pickled Seaweed Salad
Marry pickled seaweed with kale, sesame oil, honey, and scallions for a banchan-inspired side dish that’s savory, sweet, and wonderfully complex.
More Fresh Kale Ideas for Every Meal
- Kale & Eggs: Bake eggs and kale with tomatoes, feta, and scallions for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner.
- Sushi Bowl With Crispy Kale: Top brown rice with avocado, edamame, nori, and oven-crisped kale chips for texture and nutrition.
Classic Kale Salads and Bowls
- Try kale massaged with olive oil, lemon, or vinegar for a tender base that holds up to hearty toppings.
- Add grains, legumes, or roasted vegetables to keep kale salads interesting and filling.
Kale in Comfort Food
- Swap in kale for spinach in lasagna, pasta bakes, or casseroles—its sturdiness makes it ideal for baking.
- Braise with aromatics and a splash of broth for a flavorful side.
- Roast or crisp kale in the oven for crunchy chips or a unique topping.
How to Cook Kale: Best Cooking Techniques
| Method | Result | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté & Steam | Soft, wilted, slightly gummy | Quick sides, pairing with eggs |
| Braise | Very tender, deeply flavored | Comforting mains |
| Roast | Crisp edges, toasted | Kale chips, crispy toppings |
| Raw/Massaged | Tender, chewy, fresh | Salads, slaws |
| Blend | Smooth, bright green | Pesto, smoothies, soups |
Pro Tips for Cooking With Kale
- Massage raw kale with a little salt and acid (lemon juice or vinegar) to break down fibers, making it tender and flavorful.
- Chop or ribbon the leaves thinly for salads or sautés to evenly distribute flavor and improve texture.
- Save kale stems! Chop finely and pickle, or add to stir-fries and soups for crunch.
- Use mature kale in cooked recipes; baby kale is more delicate and excellent in salads.
- Kale is sturdy, so dressed salads can be made ahead without getting soggy—perfect for meal prep.
Kid-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Kale
- Mix into cheesy pasta or baked macaroni for hidden greens.
- Oven-roast into crispy chips with a sprinkle of parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Add to soups or stews—its mild flavor blends in easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best way to reduce kale’s bitterness?
A: Massage kale leaves with salt and lemon juice, or use gentle cooking techniques like braising and sautéing to mellow bitterness and improve texture.
Q: Can I eat kale raw?
A: Absolutely! Raw kale is hearty but needs to be sliced thinly and massaged with an acidic ingredient to make it tender and pleasant to eat.
Q: How do I store fresh kale?
A: Store unwashed kale in a plastic bag or container in the fridge’s crisper drawer. It will keep fresh for up to a week.
Q: Is kale nutritious?
A: Yes—kale is high in vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber, iron, and antioxidants. It’s considered one of the healthiest leafy greens available.
Q: Can I freeze kale?
A: Yes. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain, then freeze in airtight bags. Use in soups, stews, and smoothies.
Final Thoughts
Versatile, resilient, and packed with flavor, kale deserves more than a supporting role in your kitchen. With these 39 recipes, you’ll discover just how enjoyable (and easy) it is to build meals around this superstar green.
