11 Innovative Healthy Recipes That Make Kale Exciting Again

The Benefits of Eating Kale

Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables around. It packs vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants into every leafy green bite. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol, reduce risk of chronic diseases, and support a healthy gut.

Why People Find Kale Boring

While kale offers amazing health perks, many find it bitter and boring. It often gets a bad rap for its taste and texture. But with the right recipes, kale can be totally tasty and exciting.

Spice Up Your Kale

The secret is to combine kale with ingredients that complement its flavor profile. Things like garlic, lemon, nutritional yeast, tahini, avocado, nuts, and seeds marry well with kale’s slight bitterness. Getting creative with sauces and marinades also helps jazz up kale.

11 Mouthwatering Kale Recipes

Lemon Garlic Kale – Sautéed kale with garlic and lemon juice
Massaged Kale Avocado Salad – Raw kale rubbed with dressing to soften
Kale Chips – Crispy baked kale leaves
Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta – Blended kale sauce tossed with noodles
Kale Fried Rice – Shredded kale added to vegetarian fried rice
Kale Quesadillas – Sautéed kale and cheese grilled between tortillas
Kale & Chickpea Stew – Hearty plant-based stew with kale
Kale Smoothie – Blended frozen kale, banana, berries and nut milk
Kale Caesar Salad – Kale stands in for romaine lettuce
Kale Enchiladas – Baked kale and bean filling wrapped in tortillas
Kale & White Bean Soup – Puréed veggie soup featuring kale

More Tips for Cooking Fabulous Kale

Add kale to pasta dishes, grain bowls, stir-fries, sandwiches and wraps
Bake or dehydrate kale into crunchy garnishes for salads and bowls
Blend raw or cooked kale into dips, sauces, smoothies, and more
Mix shredded kale into muffins, energy bites, and other baked goods

Kale FAQ

What’s the best way to eat kale raw?

Massage raw kale leaves with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and garlic. This softens the leaves so they’re tender, not tough. Add other veggies and nuts for a tasty salad.

Can you eat too much kale?

Eating very large uncooked amounts may interfere with thyroid function. Cooking helps deactivate goitrogens. Variety is key – rotate plenty of other nutritious greens like spinach into your diet too.

How long does kale last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, raw kale keeps 4-5 days. Cooked kale keeps about 3 days refrigerated or up to 6 months frozen.

What are the risks of eating kale?

Kale contains oxalates which may contribute to kidney stones in those prone to them. It’s also high in vitamin K which can interfere with blood thinners. Check with your doctor about precautions if this applies.

Can you juice kale?

Yes, kale makes an excellent addition to fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Blend with sweeter produce like carrots, apples, and citrus which balances kale’s bitter notes.