Kale is a nutritious and versatile green that can be enjoyed in many dishes. But what can you serve with it to create a complete meal?
Here you can find 15 amazing side dishes that pair perfectly with kale, adding variety and flavor to your life.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with kale are chicken skewers, candied pecans, quinoa, butter lettuce salad, caesar salad, crispy tofu, bacon, cauliflower steaks, baked salmon, edamame, roasted sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, stuffed bell peppers, tomato basil soup, and grilled asparagus.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish for kale. Marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, these juicy chicken pieces add a savory and smoky flavor to your meal. The tender and flavorful chicken pairs well with the earthy taste of kale, making for a satisfying and balanced combination.
2. Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a sweet and crunchy addition to any kale dish. These nuts are coated in sugar and spices, then roasted until caramelized. The sweet and nutty flavor of the candied pecans provides a delightful contrast to the slightly bitter taste of kale, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall dish.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is a healthy and versatile side that goes great with kale. Cooked fluffy and light, quinoa can be mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil for a refreshing dish. Its nutty flavor and pleasant texture complement the kale, making it a nutritious and tasty addition to your meal.
4. Butter Lettuce Salad
Butter lettuce salad is a light and fresh side that pairs perfectly with kale. The soft, tender leaves of butter lettuce provide a mild and slightly sweet flavor that balances the robust taste of kale. Toss with a simple vinaigrette and some fresh veggies for a refreshing and delicious salad.
5. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side that goes well with kale. The creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese add rich flavors and textures that complement the kale. Mixing kale with romaine lettuce in a Caesar salad creates a delicious and hearty dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
6. Crispy Tofu
Crispy tofu is a great plant-based side dish for kale. Tofu cubes are seasoned and baked or fried until golden and crispy. The crunchy texture and savory taste of the tofu contrast nicely with the tender kale, creating a balanced and flavorful meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
7. Bacon
Bacon is a savory and crispy side that enhances the flavor of kale. The salty and smoky taste of bacon adds a delicious richness to the dish, making the kale more flavorful and enjoyable. Crumble cooked bacon over a kale salad or mix it into sautéed kale for a tasty and satisfying combination.
8. Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks are a hearty and flavorful side dish to serve with kale. Thick slices of cauliflower are seasoned and roasted until tender and caramelized. The rich, nutty flavor of the cauliflower pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of kale, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
9. Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is a delicious and nutritious side that complements kale perfectly. Seasoned with herbs and lemon, then baked until flaky, the rich and savory salmon enhances the flavor of the kale. The tender and juicy fish provides a delightful contrast to the slightly bitter greens, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
10. Edamame
Edamame is a simple and healthy side dish that goes well with kale. These steamed soybeans are lightly salted and offer a fresh, nutty flavor. The tender edamame adds a nice texture contrast to the kale, making for a light and nutritious addition to your meal.
11. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a sweet and savory side that pairs well with kale. Cut into cubes and roasted until caramelized, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the bitterness of kale. The soft, creamy texture of the sweet potatoes complements the crispiness of the kale for a delightful combination.
12. Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy and comforting side that goes great with kale. The rich, buttery potatoes, flavored with roasted garlic, provide a smooth and savory contrast to the kale. This classic pairing creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and flavorful side dish for kale. Filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked until tender, these peppers add a delicious and hearty element to your meal. The sweet and tangy flavor of the bell peppers pairs well with the robust taste of kale.
14. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a warm and comforting side that complements kale. The rich, tangy flavor of the tomatoes, combined with the fresh taste of basil, creates a soothing soup that pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of kale. Enjoying a bowl of this soup alongside your kale dish makes for a balanced and tasty meal.
15. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a simple and healthy side dish that goes well with kale. Lightly seasoned and grilled until tender, asparagus adds a slightly smoky and sweet flavor to the meal. The crisp and tender asparagus spears provide a nice contrast to the kale, making for a refreshing and delicious combination.
What To Serve With Kale
Ingredients
- 1 kale
Instructions
- Get kale.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat kale with chicken skewers, candied pecans, quinoa, butter lettuce salad, caesar salad, crispy tofu, bacon, cauliflower steaks, baked salmon, edamame, roasted sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, stuffed bell peppers, tomato basil soup, and grilled asparagus.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂