Healthy Recipes using Lacinato Dinosaur Kale

Lacinato Kale and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining the earthy flavors of Lacinato kale with protein-packed quinoa and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 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, toss well, and serve chilled.

Sautéed Lacinato Kale with Garlic and Lemon

A simple yet flavorful side dish featuring sautéed Lacinato kale, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Lacinato dinosaur 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, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then serve warm.

Lacinato Kale Smoothie

A nutrient-packed smoothie blending Lacinato kale with banana, almond milk, and a hint of ginger for a refreshing start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Lacinato dinosaur kale, stems removed
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine the kale, banana, almond milk, ginger, and chia seeds.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Lacinato Kale and Chickpea Stew

A hearty and comforting stew featuring Lacinato kale, chickpeas, and a medley of spices for a nutritious meal.

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

Lacinato Kale Pesto Pasta

A vibrant pasta dish featuring a homemade Lacinato kale pesto, tossed with whole grain pasta and cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato dinosaur kale, packed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 8 oz whole grain pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine kale, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, blending until smooth.
  3. Toss the cooked pasta with the kale pesto and cherry tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

Lacinato Kale and Sweet Potato Hash

A delicious breakfast hash featuring roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed Lacinato kale, and poached eggs for a nutritious start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 2 sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 bunch Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a skillet, sauté the chopped kale until wilted, then add the roasted sweet potatoes.
  3. Poach the eggs in simmering water, then serve on top of the sweet potato and kale hash.

Lacinato Kale and Avocado Wrap

A nutritious wrap filled with Lacinato kale, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients
  • 2 large whole grain tortillas
  • 2 cups Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Spread mashed avocado evenly over each tortilla.
  2. Layer the chopped kale, cucumber, and bell pepper on top, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Roll the tortillas tightly, slice in half, and serve.

Lacinato Kale and Apple Slaw

A crunchy and refreshing slaw made with Lacinato kale, crisp apples, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, apple, and shredded carrots.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the slaw, toss well, and serve chilled.

Lacinato Kale and Lentil Soup

A nourishing soup packed with Lacinato kale, lentils, and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Lacinato Kale and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

A healthy grain-free bowl featuring sautéed Lacinato kale, cauliflower rice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Lacinato dinosaur kale, chopped
  • 1 head cauliflower, grated into rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add the grated cauliflower, cooking until tender.
  2. Add the chopped kale and sauté until wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Serve the kale and cauliflower rice in a bowl, topped with sesame seeds.