12 Creative Plant-Based Kale Recipes

By Evelisse Capó, PharmD, DipACLM June 3, 2022

Kale has been super trendy for a while now, and for good reasons. First, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Like its cruciferous relatives, it’s an excellent source of antioxidants, and it’s jam-packed with pro-vitamin A, vitamins B6, K, and C; it’s also rich in manganese, calcium and other important minerals. Did you know it contains more vitamin C than an orange? One cup of raw kale contains almost 700% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K!

In other words, hearty kale is a leafy green we can never get enough of. In this roundup, we’ve gathered many different ways you can enjoy it. You can add it to your breakfast recipes, turn it into pesto, and add it to pilafs, soups, and salads. Exploring these recipes might convert kale-skeptics and inspire kale fans who are looking for new ideas to incorporate it into their everyday meals.

Delicious Kale Recipe Ideas

Read on for some of our favorite ways to use this amazing vegetable, including crunchy kale chips, pancakes, ceviche, and more.

Kale Pancakes

This one might sound a little odd at first, but it’s delicious! The dates give it just the right amount of sweetness, and as a bonus, you get all the antioxidants of the kale.

Oil-Free Crunchy Kale Chips

Yes—that’s right—it is possible to make crunchy, delicious kale chips without oil. In an air fryer—it’s super easy, and it only takes THREE minutes!

Mango Ceviche With Kale

Ceviche is a raw fish dish traditionally prepared in countries like Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile. This plant-based ceviche is an easy and refreshing recipe that is great during warmer months. Even with very few ingredients, its flavor is exquisite!

Hearty Kale Salad

Hearty kale makes a delicious green salad that’s packed with antioxidants and wholesome flavors. And by using brown rice, it’s more filling than the usual salads.

Cranberry Kale Pilaf

This dish makes a colorful addition to any dinner table, whether as an entrée or a side. Kale and cranberries are a delightful culinary combo that pair equally well nutritionally.

Simple Kale Salad

There are so many wonderful kale salad recipes, but what I like about this one is that it’s super easy.

Peanut Kale Soup

It’s a good idea to make big batches of this dish—it’s one of those soups where many go back to refill their bowl two, three and sometimes four times.

Kale and White Bean Soup

This hearty soup is packed with veggies and beans—perfect for a cold winter evening.

Kale Avocado Pesto

The kale gives this dish a freshness that perfectly complements the traditional pesto flavors of basil, walnuts, and lemon juice. Adding avocado guarantees an extra creamy texture.

Spinach and Kale Salad With Maple Citrus Dressing

This salad is lovely to serve as a first course, no matter the season. During the summer, try using fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries. In cooler months, add diced apples or dried cranberries.