This sauteed kale is made with butter and garlic for an irresistible, but super healthy side dish! It’s our favorite way to eat kale, and it’s made in five minutes. Plus, it’s super easy to make vegan, paleo, or Whole30, and a great way to get your leafy greens.
Why This Sauteed Kale is So Good!
- It’s so quick and easy to make this vegetable side dish, it takes five minutes and just three ingredients.
- It’s a healthy and leafy side dish that’s really nutritious.
- It’s so versatile and can be served with almost anything!
- Easily made vegan, paleo and Whole30.
How to Make Sauteed Kale with Garlic
- Wash the kale but do not dry it. Slice the kale into 1″-thick strips, discarding thick stems at the bottom.
- Heat the butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat then add the garlic.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful – the garlic will burn easily.
- Add the kale and stir to combine, then cover and let steam until leaves turn a bright green. Remove lid and stir, adding a little more water if necessary to finish steaming. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Sauteed Kale Can Be Made Vegan, Paleo Or Whole30
This kale side dish is easy to adapt to fit into your diet, and it will be just as tasty!
- To make it vegan: Use a plant-based oil like coconut or avocado, or vegan butter.
- To make it paleo / Whole30: You can substitute the butter for ghee.
Is Sauteed Kale a Healthy Side Dish?
This side dish is not only super tasty, but it’s full of nutrition too. It’s high in fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins K, A and C amongst many other minerals. It truly is a superfood! If you haven’t yet added kale into your diet, this is the perfect recipe to try it!
What Do You Serve With This Side Dish?
Sauteed kale is a really versatile side dish that can be served alongside so many main dishes; casseroles, seafood dishes, meat and pasta dishes. Try serving it with:
- Whole30 Lemon and Garlic Salmon
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Everything Bagel Chicken
- Whole30 Spaghetti and Meatballs
Top Tips To Make Sauteed Kale with Garlic
- Don’t overcook the kale – the leaves should be a vibrant green.
- Do not dry the kale after washing it.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will become bitter.
- Serve immediately.
Be Sure to Check Out These Other Side Dish Recipes!
- Simple Carrot Puree
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Whole30 Green Beans
- Roasted Radishes with Brown Butter
- The Best Spinach Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Maple Vinaigrette
- Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes
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Sauteed Kale with Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale any variety
- 2 tablespoons butter Use your favorite oil for vegan or ghee for Whole30/paleo
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale but do not dry it. Slice the kale into 1″-thick strips, discarding thick stems at the bottom.
- Heat the butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat then add the garlic.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful – the garlic will burn easily.
- Add the kale and stir to combine, then cover and let steam until leaves turn a bright green. Remove lid and stir, adding a little more water if necessary to finish steaming. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Nutrition
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Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
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