6 Hearty Recipes to Enjoy on National Kale Day

Does anyone remember when kale rose to popularity in the early 2010s? Beyoncé even famously wore her "collegiate" Kale crewneck in her "7/11" music video. After all, it does have stellar health benefits, like reducing inflammation and preventing diabetes—and that's only scratching the surface.

Coincidentally, today, Oct. 2, celebrates this magical vegetable as National Kale Day. So, grab your bag of kale and make one of these six diverse recipes.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad by The Foodie Physician

If you're a kale lover, you've probably had your fair share of Chick-fil-A's iconic Kale Crunch Salad. How could you resist it? The kale is so fresh, and the texture of those crisp almonds is so satisfying. Thanks to The Foodie Physician, you can create this comforting dish from the comfort of your home. It's got the same tangy dressing, earthy kale flavor and crunchy goodness.

(via The Foodie Physician)

 

Food & Wine Buttermilk Macaroni and Cheese With Baby Kale by Food & Wine

Macaroni and cheese can make anything more delicious, including kale, and this recipe from Food & Wine is a prime example. The buttermilk flavor gives the pasta base a creamy, heavenly charm. Meanwhile, the baby kale adds an almost umami flavor (in the best way possible). Everyone will enjoy it, even those who haven't fully committed to Team Kale.

(via Food & Wine)

 

Also read about: 6 Classic Dessert Recipes Made Vegan to Enjoy on World Vegetarian Day

 

Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta by Budget Bytes

This Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta recipe from Budget Bytes is the plate you'd find at the most luxurious restaurant, except you can make it in your kitchen! The flavor profile is very complex, from the nuttiness of the wheat noodles to the garlicky spices. Of course, the kale drives it home with its biting flavor.

(via Budget Bytes)

 

Kale Pineapple Smoothie by Well Plated by Erin

Kale first went viral because of the green smoothie. Almost a decade later, we still understand the hype. If you're new to the world of kale smoothies, Well Plated by Erin has an approachable recipe. Aside from kale, this recipe includes a hearty, mouth-watering blend of banana, pineapple and peanut butter.

(via Well Plated)

 

The Perfect Sautéed Kale by Inspired Taste

Sometimes, you just want kale. For your bare-bones kale recipe, we recommend Inspire Taste's Perfect Sautéed Kale. The preparation enhances the kale flavor and adds seasoning from garlic, olive oil and lemon. So, not only does it taste good—it's good for you!

(via Inspired Taste)

 

Tuscan Kale Soup by Connoisserus Veg

Fall is soup season, and you can make a tasty one with kale from Connoisseurus Veg. This recipe is savory to a tee. It has notes from white beans and spiced vegetables. Meanwhile, red pepper flakes turn up the heat to keep you warm through those cool evenings.

(via Connoisseurus Veg)

 

Searching for even more easy recipes? Click HERE to find six pumpkin-flavored meals to sink your teeth into this fall.