31 Healthy and Tasty Vegan Kale Recipes
Kale is a superfood and a delicious green, but sometimes I find myself struggling to come up with ideas for how to cook it. I love a simple kale sauté, but after a while that gets old. So I’ve collected 31 delicious and tasty, healthy vegan kale recipes from some of my favorite bloggers to help inspire you to make a great, green, kale filled meal. From soups and salads, to chips and tacos, there’s sure to be a kale dish that inspires you to eat your greens!
Why Eat Kale?
The term “superfood” is sometimes thrown around a little lightly, and if you’re like me, being healthy isn’t really enough of a reason to eat something. The great thing about kale is that it’s super versatile. It’s an extremely hearty green that can stand up to being boiled in soup, or crisp elegantly in the oven, and is just as delicious raw, although it’s flavor is neutral enough to pair with most foods. I often think of it as spinaches older, much more badass brother in it’s ability to be used in a variety of recipes. There are many different varieties of kale, including common curly kale, the dark green “dinosaur” kale, and beautiful red kale. some might taste better raw, or wilt faster, or make the best kale chips- make sure to scour the farmers market or even your local grocery store for different kale varieties, so you can choose your favorites.
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is the perfect food for our current world, where calories are cheap but vitamins are scarce. A single cup of cooked kale contains only 33 calories, and almost 3 grams of protein. In addition it has 2.5 grams of fiber, vitamins A (206% of your daily value), C (134% DV) and K (684% DV), several B vitamins, as well as several minerals (calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus). Kale is filled with antioxidants, and possibly some anti-cancer properties. It also has been suggested that it can help to reduce cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease. The benefits of kale could continue for several more paragraphs, but I’ll move on to the recipes now. After all, food is why we’re here!
31 Healthy and Tasty Vegan Kale Recipes
Dive into these 31 delicious and tasty vegan kale recipes by some of the best vegan bloggers out there. These recipes aren’t all smoothies and buddha bowls either- we’ve included tons of crowd pleasers like tacos and pizza, as well as healthier salad options!
1. Creamy Vegan Gnocchi with Garlic & Kale from A Virtual Vegan
This creamy vegan gnocchi is sautéed with kale and tossed in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s a great weeknight favorite that can be hot and on the plate in just about 15 minutes!
2. Crispy Kale White Vegan Pizza with Mushrooms from Very Vegan Val
Homemade pizza is the best kind of pizza, and kale makes it even better! This vegan kale recipe is topped with a crispy crunch of lemony kale, that melts into the creamy, cheesy, b
3. Black Kale Pesto Pasta from Gathering Dreams
Basil is a summer crop, but that doesn’t mean pesto has to be! This stunning pasta dish takes summer into winter by using dinosaur kale to make a moreish pesto pasta.
4. Sweet Potato & Kale Boats with Easy Tahini Dressing from From my Bowl
Sometimes simple is best- these sweet potato and kale boats are just four main ingredients, plus a simple tahini dressing.
5. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from Flavor the Moments
This crunchy superfood salad is crisp and refreshing, with apples and pomegranate- the perfect kale recipe for a warm summer evening.
6. Instant Pot Lentil Pasta With Kale and Cauliflower Alfredo from Green Scheme
This high-protein kale dish takes advantage of the power of the Instant Pot- after prep, this pasta is cooked in just 6 minutes! A great addition to your favorite vegan kale recipes.
7. Sesame Kale from Cadry’s Kitchen
This tasty little side dish is nutty and simple to make. But kale and sesame are an amazing flavor combination (I’ve actually been eating it for breakfast lately). This is one of those vegan kale recipes that you’ll make again and again.
8. Spiced Kale Chips from Beautiful Ingredient
If you’re looking for a little crunch in your kale, definitely try making a batch of kale chips. This recipe uses a delicious blend of spices to get you super flavorful, crispy kale chips.
9. Nacho Kale Mix from Bear Plate
This delicious snack would be just as tasty as a snack for girls night as it would be a great way to get greens while hiking. Snack on!
10. Kale & Hemp Hummus from Active Vegetarian
It’s not easy being green, but this hummus makes it pretty worth it. Full of antioxidants, protein, and fiber, this super-hummus will be your new go-to spread.
11. Stir-Fried Korean Sweet Potato Noodles (Japchae) with Kale from Very Vegan Val
Kale is a great addition to these gluten-free, sweet potato starch noodles in this classic Korean noodle dish. Super delicious, and good for you too!
12. Apple and Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing from Eat with Clarity
Creamy, flavorful and satisfying, this beautiful kale salad will leave you feeling nourished and refreshed. It is a great kale recipe for when you’re feeling in the need for some greens!
13. Kale and Butterbean Fritters from The Circus Gardener’s Kitchen
This recipe combines kale with one of my favorite things- beans! These crispy and delicious kale and butterbean fritters are a great way to sneak some kale to the kale-uninclined.
14. Go to Garlicky Kale from Happy Healthy Life
We all need a couple great, go-to recipes for kale, and these garlicky, stir-fried greens might be yours! Greens, garlic, and a little seasoning will get this kale on your table in no time.
15. Boiled Plantains with Kale from That Girl Cooks Healthy
Kale and plantains sound amazing- add peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices and I’m totally sold. This vegan kale recipe is filled with flavor and color!
16. California Avocado Kale Salad with Cashew Ranch Dressing and Crispy Chickpea Croutons from Eating By Elaine
This summer salad is a filling (yet light) entrée, for those hot days were you just need to eat something cold. The crispy chickpeas add just the crunch you need to keep it fun!
17. Kale Rosemary Super Seed Crackers from Tasting Page
These rosemary and kale seedy crackers add the savory crunch, but have way more fiber than your average cracker. I’m also glad I’m not the only one using the phrase “super seed“!
18. Mediterranean Persimmon White Bean Kale Salad from Sharon Palmer
This Mediterranean inspired salad uses seasonal kale and white beans. It’s beautiful, clean and delicious, and a perfect summer kale salad to grace your table.
19. Vegan Ricotta and Kale Filo Scrolls from Rainbow Nourishments
These beautiful kale and tofu filled pastries are a play on ricotta and spinach filled cannellonis, and filled with protein. A healthy dish that doesn’t taste healthy- we all love those!
20. Cream of Kale Soup from My Quite Kitchen
With minimal ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, this creamy, salty, rich kale soup is a winner! Just chop, simmer, and blend!
21. Kale and Quinoa Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts and Lemon Miso Dressing from Planted Purpose
Light, refreshing, and protein-packed, this massaged kale salad is as nutrient-dense as they come. With nutty notes of pine nuts and quinoa, this salad is great as a filling meal, or a delicious side.
22. Green Goddess Pizza with Kale Pesto from My Darling Vegan
It’s spring, and this flatbread pizza is topped with a delicious kale pesto! If you wanted a little more green besides the kale, you’re in luck- we also have peas, asparagus, and watercress. Yum!
23. Spicy Kale and Potato Curry from Moon and Spoon and Yum
Bring on the flavor for this hearty Indian side dish, Aloo Kale! Vegan and gluten-free, it’s great recipe to add to your list of favorite vegan kale recipes.
24. Instant Pot Kale Saag Paneer from The Belly Rules the Mind
Make sure you use tofu for the vegan version of this delicious looking kale dish, and you’ll have a simple, quick version of this Indian classic.
25. Kale Spanakopita from Yup It’s Vegan
This recipe comes originally from “The Crossroads Cookbook“, and is a delightful example of “anything spinach can do, kale can do better” Tal Ronnen.
26. The Best Vegan Kale Pesto from Well and Full
Pesto is the best-o, and this kale pesto is the best of the best! Creamy, lemony, and garlicky- what more could you want from a vegan kale pesto?
27. Savory Kale Pie from Very Vegan Val
This savory kale pie is shockingly simple- the crust has just 4 ingredients, and the cheesy kale filling is filled with mushrooms, garlic, and vegan cheesy goodness.
28. Kale, White Bean, and Lemon Soup from Occasionally Eggs
This light, winter-inspired kale and white bean soup is a quick and easy solution to dinner. Serve with a slice of crusty bread, and start feeling the winter coziness!
29. Potato Tacos with Massaged Kale from Veggies Save the Day
Hey taco Tuesday! It’s time to roast some potatoes, massage some kale, add this to your list of favorite vegan kale recipes, and enjoy!
30. Acorn Squash, Kale, and Barley Soup from Veganosity
This vegan kale soup reflects the beauty of Autumn- bright, vibrant and colorful. Take some time to enjoy the beauty of the season, and then remember it with a little of this kale soup!
31. Vegan Kale Pesto Pate from Vegan Dollhouse
Food should be fun, so I had ton include this recipe for a vegan kale pesto pate shaped like a cactus! Make a batch of this kale pate, and let’s celebrate kale!
Let’s hear from you…
- Why do you love kale? Or don’t you? Are you trying to eat more kale?
- What are some of your favorite vegan kale recipes?
- If kale and spinach got into a fight, who would win?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
