7 Creative Ways to Eat Kale That Will Leave You Wanting More

No matter how much we know kale is good for us and love it, this super green can bore even the most dedicated leafy green lovers. Sure, it’s pretty hard NOT to enjoy kale in a superfood smoothie or used in a regular salad, but even those options tend to get a little … eh, meh, after awhile. Not only is it important for your health to rotate your greens in your smoothies, salads, and other dishes, but it’s also important to change how you use greens (and other vegetables) in your recipes. This prevents the boredom that can come from healthy eating and it also inspires you to explore new flavors. Your kitchen is much less likely to become boring when you give healthy foods a simple, yet creative spin on a regular basis. And don’t worry –  there’s not much effort involved, if you’re wondering.

Check out some of our best creative kale recipes that we all love here at One Green Planet if you need some ways to enjoy kale with a bit more excitement!

1. Comfort Food Kale at Its Finest:

Kale and Mushroom Gratin

Nothing says comfort food like something rich and creamy! What a way to settle the stomach, satisfy your appetite, and leave you feeling great at the same time! But dairy-filled creams often leave you feeling bloated, sleepy, or just downright poor all around. Let’s go a different route instead  – make this Kale and Mushroom Gratin, which features a non-dairy homemade cream, hearty mushrooms, and of course, the star leafy green, kale, in a whole new way. You might also like our Cheezy Kale Salad, since when the kale is tossed with the sauce, its bitterness subsides and its tough texture is broken down. It also has a naturally cheesy taste to up the comfort food factor even more!

 2. Put a Spin on Pesto: Kale Pesto

Pesto doesn’t really sound too exciting, does it? It’s a green sauce that can seem a little bit odd to someone that’s never enjoyed it. However, pesto has a unique, delicious flavor that really tops off a pasta dish, or even a burger dish surprisingly well. Kale is a great green to use in pesto because when broken down, it has a sweeter, more subtle flavor and a hearty feel to it. Give it a try and pair with these Red Lentil Burgers for a delicious, protein-packed healthy meal!

3. Add Some Spicy Wrap Action:

Kale Avocado Wraps With Spicy Miso Dipped Tempeh

Everyone love wraps, but just fluffing your wrap with some raw kale is pretty much guaranteed to be less than amazing. Raw kale is healthy, but it’s also bitter and tough. So to make it taste better, add a spicy miso sauce to your kale, marinate beforehand or massage with your hands, and then add it to your wrap. This will break down the fibers, eliminate the bitter flavors and add some healthy probiotics to your meal at the same time to aid digestion. Our Kale Avocado Wraps With Spicy Miso Dipped Tempeh is a great example, so give it a try if you haven’t already!

4. Put it In Risotto: Lentil Kale Vegan Risotto

Risotto is a classic favorite among comfort food lovers of all kind, but it doesn’t have to be made with heavy creamy sauces all the time. You can keep things lighter by making it dairy-free (also healthier for you) and will love the way the flavors add a delicious cheesy, creamy flavor to your kale. Try a delightful and filling Kale Lentil Vegan Risotto that you can prepare in hardly no time. We’re willing to bet it will become a weekly favorite for many of you!

5. Cover it in Chocolate:

The Perfect Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Alright, alright – if you’re still determined to use kale in a smoothie (because we can’t really blame you there), then try adding some cacao for a chocolatey punch (and lots of nutrition), a banana for sweetness, and a few other delicious smoothie staples too, such as in The Perfect Chocolate Banana Smoothie. Because who doesn’t love a chocolately, dessert flavored smoothie that actually sneaks in kale without notice?  We’re in!

6. Add Some Noodles and Sauce:

Russian Kale and Roasted Squash Noodles

Another way to add kale to your meals is in a noodle dish, and we’re not talking ramen or spaghetti here! Let’s shake things up by adding some hearty roasted veggies, some serious spice action, and of course, the star of the show, hearty kale. You’ll love our Russian Kale and Roasted Squash Noodles when you’re craving comfort food that you want to make you feel good at the same time!

7. Add Some Avocado, Onion, and Some Colorful Sweetness: Rainbow Salad

Forget your regular kale salads from here on out! Sure, avocados are a go-to when it comes to making kale salads since their natural fats and creamy texture help break down the kale’s fiber and also aid as a natural dressing. However, avocado alone can get boring after awhile. Add some onion, sweet veggies and fruits, and toss it all up into one protein-packed meal that your body will love! Our Rainbow Salad is a great choice since it’s packed with some of the most nutritious everyday (and more exotic) superfoods out there.

Looking for more kale goodness? Check out all of our kale recipes and let us know if you have a favorite recipe that makes the beloved green a bit more exciting than the everyday normal dishes!

Lead Image Source: monica.shaw/Flickr