Wellness Wednesday: 10 Healthy Recipes Using Kale

Mar 20, 2013
Jessica Wilson • Lifestyle

The health community continues to rave about the healthy benefits of eating kale—and for good reason. The nutritional powerhouse is filled with cancer-fighting antioxidants, filling fiber, vitamins and minerals and serves as a great detox food. Incorporate the queen of greens into your meals with the following 10 healthy recipes.

Quinoa and Kale Patties

Incorporate a nutritious grain into your meal with quinoa and kale patties. Spruced up with feta, dill and chives, this herb-infused patty is baked with loads of flavor.

Kale Apple Smoothie

Start your day with a kale and apple smoothie for a kick of nutrients first thing in the morning. The detoxification properties of this frothy beverage will nourish your body and kick-start your digestive system.

Avocado and Kale Salad

Prepare a healthy and hearty lunch with a kale and avocado salad. The mix of creamy avocados, chewy apricots and crunchy almonds creates the perfect texture. Drizzle with a light balsamic vinaigrette as the finishing touch.

Kale Slaw with Peanut Dressing

Use the veggie instead of cabbage for a vitamin-rich kale coleslaw. Bell peppers and carrots add color to the mix, while a sweet peanut dressing brings flavor.

Baked Sesame Kale Chips

Trade in your greasy potato chips for a healthier alternative with these baked sesame kale chips. Tossed in extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, a touch of salt and sesame seeds, this savory snack is nutritious but still flavorful.

Kale and White Bean Soup

Get your fill of fiber with a hearty kale and white bean soup, perfect for a chilly night at home. Fresh garlic, rosemary and lemon add a flavorful and aromatic touch.

Kale Pesto

Sneak this healthy veggie into a kale pesto sauce for the perfect complement to pasta and risotto dishes. The versatile sauce can also be used to dress veggies, chicken and salads.

Sautéed Kale

The perfect complement to chicken or fish, this simple sautéed kale side dish is sure to impress guests. Garlic, crushed red pepper and a dose of sherry vinegar create a unique combination.

Lentils with Kale and Sweet Potatoes

Pack a powerful Vitamin A punch with this lentil, kale and sweet potato dish. Delivering just the right amount of spice from a serrano pepper, it is best served with a slice of toasted bread.

Indian-Spiced Kale and Chickpeas

For the perfect exotic side dish, try an Indian-spiced kale with chickpeas for a boost of fiber. The mix of specialty spices – including cumin, coriander and garam masala – will leave your taste buds wanting more.