Kale pairs well with Chickpea Pomodoro, Salmon Burger, One-Pan Seafood Roast, Shiitake Fried Rice, and Beetroot & Squash Wellingtons.
Featuring a perfect balance of subtle flavors, this pleasant side dish is the i
For a lighter option, try Beetroot & Squash Wellingtons. Beetroot and squash wellingtons are the perfect combination of crunchy pastry and flavorful veggies.
Also called leaf cabbage, kale is a superfood that you can enjoy in various ways, with many side dishes to complement it.
If you're wondering what to serve with kale for dinner, you'll find here some tempting dishes that ensure you have a lovely and healthy meal.
Although you can enjoy kale raw by using it in salads, there are many kale-based recipes you can try to bring out the leafy vegetable's flavor and enjoy it more.
10 Ideal Side Dishes to Serve with Kale
1 - Chickpea Pomodoro
A vegetarian twist on the classic Pasta al pomodoro dish, this delicious recipe uses chickpeas in place of pasta for an equally light yet satisfying experience - see chickpea salad side ideas with flavor-packed matches for similar pairings.
Featuring a perfect balance of subtle flavors, this pleasant side dish is the ideal complement to any kale-based meal.
For an unforgettable blend of flavors, you can try Chef Missy Robbins' chickpea pomodoro recipe and garnish the dish with salty pecorino cheese and fresh herbs.
2 - Salmon Burger
If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious way to serve kale, why not try salmon burgers? You can grill, broil, or pan-fry them up - however your heart desires - or adapt ideas from salmon en croute side pairings for seafood-forward meals.
Serve with tartar sauce, roasted tomatoes, pickled onions; you name it.
On top of being oh-so-tasty, they're also high in healthy fats, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium & magnesium - making it the perfect partner to that ol' leafy green we all know as kale.
To make the perfect salmon burger, mix wild-caught salmon fillets, diced red onion, and freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley.
Shape them into patties and cook on an oiled skillet until golden brown.
Serve with a side of fresh kale for a delicious and nutrient-packed meal.
3 - One-Pan Seafood Roast
Craving something a little special for your next dinner?
It's an easy, flavorful dish that goes great with any type of kale - try ideas from seafood casserole side ideas for balanced seafood meals to round out the plate.
Simply toss together some shrimp, scallops, prawns and whatever other seafood you like.
Plus, add some baby potatoes and corn cobs - then season it all to perfection before popping into the oven.
After 20 minutes or so, you'll have a healthy yet tempting meal ready to go.
Your guests are sure to love every colorful bite - perfect for celebrating anything from birthdays to Sundays at home.
4 - Shiitake Fried Rice
Kale is king.
But no one wants a meal that leaves them feeling hungry afterwards - so why not add in some flavorful shiitake mushroom fried rice for an extra nutritious kick?
This vegan-friendly side dish uses bold flavors like ginger plus plenty of veggies like bell peppers and carrots to round out the meal perfectly.
Plus, you can even keep leftovers around all week long.
As for serving, you can either mix it in with the kale or serve it on the side - or borrow ideas from chicken fried rice side suggestions for hearty complements.
Either way, your family will be more than satisfied after this flavorful meal.
5 - Beetroot & Squash Wellingtons
If you're looking for something to satisfy all palate, this side dish is a great option.
Beetroot and squash wellingtons are the perfect combination of crunchy pastry and flavorful veggies.
Just layer puff pastry over some cooked beetroots, squash, garlic, ginger, and herbs before baking in the oven for a delicious side dish that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Beetroot and squash wellingtons are simple to make, yet complex in flavor.
And when paired with a side of kale pesto, this dish is sure to be a hit.
6 - Brown Rice Risotto
The creamy texture of the cooked rice combined with savory cheese flavors is truly irresistible - it'll be hard not to go back for seconds.
Plus, adding kale really takes the dish up another notch - see brown rice side ideas for whole-grain meals for more hearty accompaniments.
Just sauté your favorite vegetables, mix in some stock and cheese before transferring everything into an oven-friendly baking dish.
Bake until bubbling hot (25 minutes or so) and enjoy with one of your all-time favorite kale recipes-it's sure to become everyone's new weeknight dinner staple.
7 - Barley and Feta Cheese
Get ready for an explosion of flavor - from the nutty aroma and chewy texture of barley to the refreshing saltiness of feta cheese.
Plus, adding on a large side salad with kale gives you all sorts of extra crispness that'll have your guests raving.
Take it one step further by combining everything in one bowl - if you do it right, each bite will be bursting with satisfying richness without any heaviness.
Just remember that barley takes the longest to prep before digging into this amazing meal - plan sides using beef barley soup side suggestions for hearty dinners that complement prep times.
8 - Chorizo Broth
The next time you have some sauteed kale on the table, be sure to stir up a cozy bowl of chorizo soup.
This flavorful broth is made with a rich homemade stock, smoked chorizo, canned beans, and fresh herbs like parsley.
It's perfect for warming up on chilly nights or as a comforting mid-day snack.
Top it off with some freshly cooked kale and you have the ideal meal.
And don't forget to serve it with crusty bread for extra satisfaction.
It's sure to be a hit with all your friends and family - even the pickiest of eaters.
9 - Chicken Tortellini Soup
Next, we have another comforting bowl of soup for you to enjoy alongside kale.
This chicken tortellini soup is filled with tender chunks of chicken, flavorful herbs and delicious pasta.
Plus, it's easy to make and a great way to use up any leftover kale on hand.
Simply add in the cooked kale at the end for extra nutrition and flavor.
Then serve this pleasant one-pot meal with some garlic bread or crunchy croutons - your palate will thank you.
10 - Coconut Rice and Tofu
If you're looking to whip up a delicious, lighter-style lunch that's sure to please the palate consider adding some coconut rice into the mix.
Coconut rice brings an interesting flavor twist and gives your meal something special - plus it goes well with crispy tofu and kale for texture contrast.
Get creative by incorporating this Asian ingredient combination - perfect if you have guests who are adventurous eaters.
For a flavor primer, Green Superfood's flavor explained by taste profile. For swaps, see 5 best Tuscan kale substitutes for cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Featuring a perfect balance of subtle flavors, this pleasant side dish is the i Salmon Burger If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious way to serve kale, why not try salmon burgers? Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. This side dish is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.