30 Kale Recipes That Will Make You Fall In Love With This Leafy Green

Years ago, kale exploded as a salad green thanks to, as the story goes, a winter produce shortage that led a few New York chefs to turn to the under-appreciated green. We’re so glad they did, and that kale is no longer relegated to just being a sad plate garnish. Get inspired to use it yourself with our 30 recipes that celebrate kale.

If you’re unfamiliar, kale is a member of the brassica family, alongside other faves like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. We LOVE how versatile these veggies are, and kale is no different. There are two main types to look out for: lighter green curly kale, and darker green lacinato kale (also known as tuscan or dinosaur kale for its bumpy, “scaly” leaves). Both work well in most applications, though we’re often partial to lacinato for its slightly sweeter taste and less tough stems. Hot tip: if you’ve ever had kale and thought it was too bitter or tough, try massaging it first. You could use tongs if you have them, but the best way is to add a little dressing or olive oil and really get in there with your hands.

When it comes to the best application for kale, you really can’t beat a soup or salad—it’s hearty enough to turn them into a full meal, like in our coconut ranch kale salad or white bean and sausage kale soup (+ a slow cooker option!), or can be enjoyed as a simple side, like in our Lolita’s kale salad. It’s both heartier to eat and to grow, which means it’s a great winter option when spring and summer greens are unavailable. Use it to jazz up a stuffing or alongside cranberries and sweet potatoes for a holiday side everyone will love.

Kale is also one of the most nutrient-dense veggies available, and is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Because of that, we’re putting it into smoothies and enjoying it as a healthy snack, like in our cool ranch kale chips (or try them in your air fryer!).

For more leafy green inspiration, check out our lists of our favorite spinach and arugula recipes too.