Healthy Recipes using Lacinato Dinosaur Kale Leaves

Lacinato Kale and Quinoa Salad

This vibrant salad combines nutrient-rich Lacinato kale with protein-packed quinoa, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato kale leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine before serving.

Sautéed Lacinato Kale with Garlic and Lemon

A simple yet flavorful side dish featuring sautéed Lacinato kale, infused with garlic and brightened with fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the chopped kale and sauté until wilted, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper before serving.

Lacinato Kale Smoothie

Start your day with a refreshing smoothie packed with the goodness of Lacinato kale, banana, and almond milk.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Lacinato kale leaves, stems removed
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Ice cubes
Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine the kale, banana, almond milk, almond butter, and honey.
  2. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Lacinato Kale and Chickpea Stew

This hearty stew features Lacinato kale and chickpeas simmered in a flavorful tomato broth, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Lacinato kale, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Lacinato Kale Pesto Pasta

A twist on traditional pesto, this pasta dish features a vibrant Lacinato kale pesto that’s both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato kale leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a food processor, combine kale, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, blending until smooth.
  3. Toss the pasta with the kale pesto, adding salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Lacinato Kale and Sweet Potato Hash

This hearty breakfast hash features roasted sweet potatoes and Lacinato kale, topped with a fried egg for a nutritious start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 2 cups Lacinato kale, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, sauté the chopped kale until wilted.
  3. Serve the sautéed kale over the roasted sweet potatoes, topped with a fried egg.

Lacinato Kale Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of Lacinato kale, brown rice, and spices, then baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup Lacinato kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix cooked rice, kale, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stuff each bell pepper half with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Lacinato Kale and Apple Slaw

A refreshing slaw that combines crunchy apples and Lacinato kale, dressed in a light apple cider vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato kale, finely shredded
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, apple, and carrots.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine before serving.

Lacinato Kale and Avocado Toast

A nutritious twist on avocado toast, topped with sautéed Lacinato kale for an extra boost of vitamins.

Ingredients
  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1 cup Lacinato kale, sautéed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
  1. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
  2. Spread the mashed avocado on each slice and top with sautéed kale.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Lacinato Kale and Lentil Soup

A nourishing soup made with Lacinato kale and lentils, simmered with aromatic herbs and spices for a comforting meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 bunch Lacinato kale, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and carrots until softened.
  2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.