What Goes With Kale: 20 Amazing Side Dish Ideas
Finding the right side dishes to serve with kale can be hard. There are so many options, and it’s difficult to know what goes well with this leafy green vegetable.
I know how you feel! I’ve been there myself. It seems like every time I want to serve kale, I have a hard time deciding what to make with it.
That’s why I’ve decided to put together a list of side dishes that go well with kale. I hope this list will help you the next time you’re trying to figure out what to serve with this healthy vegetable.
So, what goes well with kale? Here are a few ideas.
Side Dishes for Kale
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled salmon
- Tuna salad
- Roasted carrots
- Potato salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Pasta salad
- Garlic bread
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Fresh fruit
Grilled chicken
Grilled chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be used as a main dish or as a tasty addition to salads and sides. When it comes to kale, grilled chicken is an excellent option as a side dish.
The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs well with the slightly bitter taste of kale, and the two ingredients complement each other nutritionally. Kale is rich in vitamins and minerals, while chicken is a good source of protein. Together, they make a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Additionally, both ingredients are quick and easy to cook, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, consider pairing grilled chicken with kale.
Grilled salmon
Grilled salmon is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. The clean flavor of grilled salmon pairs well with the slightly bitter taste of kale.
When choosing a salmon for grilling, look for wild-caught salmon that has been sustainably sourced. Grilling salmon is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The high heat of the grill helps to cook the fish evenly and prevents it from drying out.
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Then, place them on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. Serve the grilled salmon alongside sauteed kale and roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Tuna salad
Tuna salad is the perfect side dish for kale. The tuna provides a crunch that kale lacks, while the mayo ties everything together. Plus, the protein in the tuna makes this dish filling, while the low-fat mayo keeps it healthy.
Roasted carrots
Roasted carrots are a delicious and easy side dish that go well with kale. Carrots are naturally sweet and become even more so when roasted, making them a perfect complement to the slightly bitter taste of kale. Roasting also brings out the natural sugars in carrots, resulting in tender, caramelized slices that are absolutely irresistible.
To roast carrots, simply slice them into thin pieces, drizzle them with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven until they are lightly browned and tender. Roasted carrots make a wonderful addition to any meal, but they are especially good paired with kale.
Potato salad
Potato salad is quick and easy to make, and it’s a great way to use up your favorite veggies. It is usually made with mayo, milk, and fresh herbs. I like to add my favorite veggies to my potato salad, such as carrots, celery, and onions.
Potato salad is a great side dish because it’s tasty and filling. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, I recommend trying potato salad.
Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and creative way to include more vegetables in your diet. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course, and they are perfect for vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eaters alike. Grilling vegetables helps to bring out their natural flavors and makes them even more enjoyable to eat. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables without feeling like you’re eating rabbit food.
When grilling vegetables, I like to start with mushrooms. I brush them with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic before throwing them on the grill. I also like to add cherry tomatoes and small onions. Grilling these vegetables until they’re crisp and fresh is a great way to enjoy them. So go ahead and give grilled vegetables a try – you might be surprised at how much you enjoy them!
Pasta salad
Pasta salad is a great option as a side dish for kale. It is filling and nutritious, and it goes well with the flavors of kale. It can be made with whole wheat or spiral pasta, and you can add your favorite ingredients to it.
You can also experiment with different dressings and spices. Overall, pasta salad is a healthy and delicious option that will complement your kale dish.
Garlic bread
Garlic bread is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy kale. It can be made from scratch or using a ready-made mix, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Garlic bread is typically made with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and it is baked until golden-brown. The rich flavor of garlic bread pairs well with the earthy taste of kale, making it an ideal side dish.
Garlic bread is also a good source of fiber and protein, which makes it a nutritious option for those looking for a hearty meal.
Baked sweet potato fries
Baked sweet potato fries are healthy and have fewer carbs than traditional fries, so they are a good option for those watching their carb intake. Plus, they go great with your favorite topping. They are baked instead of fried, so they are a healthier option overall.
Baked sweet potato fries go great with kale as a side dish. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the bitterness of the kale. Plus, the two colors look great together on a plate.
Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, but it goes especially well as a side dish for kale. The sweetness of the fruit helps to offset the bitterness of the kale, and the colorful fruits add a beautiful contrast to the dark green leaves.
Plus, fruit is so versatile that you can use whatever fruits you love. Whether you choose berries, melon, or citrus, fresh fruit is always a welcome addition to a kale dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat goes well with kale?
There are a variety of meats that go well with kale. Some people enjoy pairing kale with pork, chicken, or beef. These meats can be cooked in a variety of ways, so there is sure to be a way that you will enjoy them.
What drink goes well with kale?
There are a variety of drinks that go well with kale. Some people enjoy pairing kale with water, juice, or tea. These drinks can be enjoyed cold or warm, depending on your preference.
What is the best way to cook kale?
The best way to cook kale is by boiling it. Boiling helps to soften the kale and makes it easier to eat. You can also prepare kale in other ways, such as grilling, baking, or stir-frying. However, boiling is typically the easiest and most straightforward way to cook this leafy green vegetable.
Conclusion
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. In this article, I have listed some of my favorite options for what to serve with kale.
These side dishes are healthy and delicious, and they will help you to enjoy your kale dish even more. So go ahead and try out one of these recipes the next time you are looking for a side dish to complement your kale. I’m sure you’ll love the combo!