10+ Kale Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today

Kale’s one of those leafy greens you can toss into so many dishes. It’s nutritious, and it adds a little flavor and texture to whatever you’re making.

Honestly, you don’t have to be a chef to cook with kale. It works in all kinds of simple recipes.

You can make kale tasty by trying different recipes that fit your mood and schedule. Whether you want a fast side or something to bulk up your main meal, kale’s a solid pick.

Let’s check out a few easy, delicious ways to cook with kale.

1) Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Lemon

You can whip up a quick side dish with just a few ingredients. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium.

Add minced garlic and cook it until it smells good. Toss in washed, chopped kale and stir everything together.

Pour in a splash of water to help the kale steam and soften. When the kale turns tender but still looks bright green, squeeze some lemon juice over it.

If you want a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. Finish with salt to taste.

This method keeps the kale’s flavor front and center, without making it heavy.

Ingredients

• 8 cups curly kale, washed and chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add kale and water, stir well.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until kale is tender.
5. Remove from heat, squeeze lemon juice over the kale.
6. Add chili flakes and salt, stir, and serve.

2) Easy Garlic Kale Side Dish

This garlic kale side dish comes together super fast. Start by heating olive oil in a pan.

Add minced garlic and cook it just until it smells nice, not brown. It gives the kale a mellow flavor.

Toss in chopped kale and a pinch of salt. Stir it up and cook until the kale wilts but stays bright.

If you want a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can finish with lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

This dish goes with just about anything and takes maybe 15 minutes, tops.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: red pepper flakes
• Optional: lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chopped kale and salt, stirring well.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted.
5. Add red pepper flakes and lemon juice if desired. Stir and serve hot.

You can check out a similar easy garlic kale recipe.

3) Kale and Lentil Garganelli Pasta

This dish is perfect for a busy night when you want something filling. Cook lentils and kale with crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce.

Add garganelli pasta so it soaks up all that flavor. The kale keeps things fresh, and the lentils bring some protein to the table.

It all happens in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, you probably have most of these ingredients already.

Ingredients

• 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 pound kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• 1 pound dried garganelli pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cooked lentils. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Add dried garganelli and enough water to cover. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

4) Crispy Baked Kale Chips

If you’re craving a healthy snack, kale chips are a winner. They’re easy and need just a few things.

Tear your kale into bite-sized pieces and dry them well. Toss with olive oil, salt, and whatever seasonings you like.

Bake at 300°F (150°C). After 10 minutes, rotate the pan.

Keep baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until they’re crispy. Watch closely—they can burn pretty fast.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional: garlic powder, pepper, or chili powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Wash and dry kale, then tear into pieces.
3. Toss kale with olive oil and salt.
4. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake 10 minutes, then rotate pan.
6. Bake another 10-15 minutes until crisp.

5) Vegan Creamy Kale Salad with Toasted Seeds

This vegan creamy kale salad is packed with fresh flavors. The dressing comes from blended seeds, so it’s creamy without any dairy.

Toasted seeds add crunch and work well with the tender kale. You can eat it as a light meal or a side.

Massage the kale to soften it up. Drizzle the creamy seed dressing and sprinkle toasted seeds on top.

It looks colorful and honestly, it tastes even better than it looks.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup soaked cashews or sunflower seeds for dressing
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast sunflower and pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Set aside.
2. Massage chopped kale with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Blend soaked cashews or sunflower seeds, garlic, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Toss kale with the dressing.
5. Sprinkle toasted seeds on top and serve.

You can find more about this salad at adreskitchen.com.

6) Tuscan Kale and Tomato Soup

This Tuscan kale and tomato soup is both simple and hearty. It brings together fresh kale, ripe tomatoes, and white beans.

You can enjoy it any time, but it’s especially great on a cold day. The soup’s light but filling.

Cooking it slowly makes the kale tender and lets the tomatoes shine. Add some crusty bread if you want a full meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped Tuscan kale
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in tomatoes and broth, then bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, add kale and beans, simmer for 10-15 minutes until kale is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm with bread if you like.

Check out this Tuscan Tomato Bean Soup with Kale for another take.

7) One-Pot Kale and Courgette Pasta

This one-pot kale and courgette pasta is a lifesaver on busy nights. You just cook everything in one pan—less mess, less stress.

Courgette brings a little sweetness, and the kale adds a healthy touch. The flavors come together with garlic and lemon zest.

It’s great when you want something tasty but don’t have much time. Using fresh veggies keeps things light but filling.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
• 140g kale, leaves chopped (stalks removed)
• 200g courgette, grated
• 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and courgette; cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add kale, pasta, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in enough water to cover pasta, about 3-4 cups.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender and water is mostly absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

You can find a similar recipe at Adre’s Kitchen.

8) Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

Garlic parmesan kale pasta is both simple and satisfying. You get tender kale with a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce.

Sauté garlic in olive oil and butter for flavor. Add kale and cook until it wilts but still looks fresh.

Toss in cooked pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Want more zing? Add lemon juice or fresh herbs.

It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale (about 1/2 lb)
• 1/2 lb angel hair or spaghetti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta as the package says. Drain it and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium.

3. Toss in minced garlic and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it smells good.

4. Add kale and sauté for 3-4 minutes, letting it wilt.

5. Throw the cooked pasta into the pan with the kale and garlic. Mix until everything’s combined.

6. Stir in parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

9) Simple Sautéed Kale with Olive Oil and Red Pepper

Here’s a super quick way to get flavorful kale on your table. Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium—nothing fancy.

Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Toss in chopped kale and let it cook until it’s wilted but still got that bright green pop.

If you’re into garlic, throw some in for a nice aroma. Finish with a pinch of salt and that’s really all you need.

Serve it as a side dish with pretty much anything. It’s healthy, tasty, and honestly doesn’t take long—maybe 10 or 15 minutes, tops.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large bunch kale, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).

2. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, sauté for 1 minute.

3. Toss in chopped kale and stir it around.

4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the kale softens but stays bright green.

5. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

10) Mediterranean Kale with Lemon and Soy

This Mediterranean kale dish is honestly such a breeze. Sauté chopped kale with garlic and olive oil—just get everything glossy and fragrant.

Squeeze in some lemon juice and splash in soy sauce for a fresh, tangy, and slightly salty vibe.

The soy sauce brings a little umami, which works so well with the lemon’s brightness.

It’s quick and goes with almost anything, whether you want a side or a light meal.

Adding greens to your plate doesn’t have to be complicated, right? Just a few ingredients and you’re set.

Ingredients

• 12 cups chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour a splash of olive oil into a large pan. Set the heat to medium.

2. Toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, just until you catch that amazing aroma.

3. Throw in the kale. Stir it around often. Wait until it wilts—usually takes about five minutes.

4. Squeeze in some lemon juice. Add a dash of soy sauce.

5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve it up while it’s still warm.

Craving more ideas? Take a peek at Mediterranean Kale recipes here.