Kale is in season! This dark green leafy vegetable is an easy way to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to almost any dinner. It comes in a few varieties with curly kale being the most popular in stores and at farmers markets. Kale has a slightly bitter and peppery flavor that makes it a tasty addition to your plate.

How to get started

If using whole kale leaves, start by separating the leaves from the stalk, known as “de-ribbing,” by tearing or cutting. Massaging kale using a small amount of olive oil or water can help make it even tastier by reducing some of the bitterness. You can also find packages of pre-cut fresh kale to save you time. Avoid washing kale until it’s time to prepare it. 

Here are 5 simple ways to add kale to your dinner: 

• Sauté it!
  • One of the simplest ways to enjoy kale is by sautéing it with fresh herbs or spices. Try sautéing chopped kale in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and chili powder. 
  • Enjoy sautéed kale over rice or on the side. 
• Add it to pasta! 
  • Add it into your marinara or creamy pasta sauce.
  • Add sautéd kale over pasta.
  • Mix it with hot, freshly strained noodles to slightly wilt it. Let cool & add dressing with the rest of your veggies for a tasty pasta salad! 

• Roast it into chips for an easy side dish!
  • De-rib, roughly chop, and massage 1 head of kale in 2 tbsp of olive oil. Roast at 325°F for 25-35 minutes, until brown and curling at the edges. Mix halfway through. Toss with your favorite seasonings and serve! 
• Salad – as a main or a side dish!
  • De-rib, roughly chop, and massage 1 head of kale in the dressing of your choice. Involve the kids! Let them gently rub and toss the leaves. 
  • Add any of your other favorite salad fixings; add a protein to make it a main dish, or serve it as a side.
• Throw it into soup, stew or chili! 
  • After prepping the kale, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking to your favorite soup, stew, or chili. 

There you have it; 5 simple ways to add kale to your dinner. Hungry for more dinner ideas? Take a look on our easy-to-use recipe finder at onieproject.org/recipes. Use the search bar to find easy, tasty recipe ideas that your family will love.

Use our interactive map to locate where you can find locally grown kale at SNAP-accepting farmers markets. Have another way you love to use kale that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!