20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (2024)

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (1)

Kale is great for the keto diet. Not only is it low in net carbs, but it’s also packed with nutrition.

One cup of chopped kale provides almost 700% of your daily vitamin K needs. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and manganese.

Eating kale may also reduce your cholesterol levels and protect your eyes from eye disorders like macular degeneration.

Today, I’m sharing 20 keto kale recipes. They’re not only tasty but good for you too. So, read on!

1. Low-Carb Caramelized Onion and Kale Frittata

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (2)

Source: perfectketo.com

I love Saturday mornings, as I’m sure many of you do too. It’s the perfect time to sleep in and catch up on some zzz’s.

It’s also the perfect time to have brunch. And what better thing to serve than a breakfast frittata?

This caramelized onion and kale frittata is fluffy and packed with flavor. The caramelized onions add sweetness, while the kale adds freshness and nutrition.

As a bonus, each serving contains only 173 calories. So, it makes for a nice light breakfast.

Besides being great for brunch, it is also great for meal prep. Just make it on Sunday evening, and you have breakfast ready for a couple of days.

Just be sure to store it in air-tight storage containers like these BPA-free glass storage containers. These will keep your frittata fresh for longer.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Check out more ketogenic breakfast recipes like this one.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 173
  • Fats: 12g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 13g

2. Kale Cauliflower Tots

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (3)

Source: divaliciousrecipes.com

Tater tots are oh, so yummy, but oh, so bad for you. That’s because of all the carbs.

In fact, just one tater tot can net you over 3 grams of net carbs. And who stops at just one?

So, what can you have instead? Kale cauliflower tots.

They’re crunchy and perfectly seasoned. The Parmesan cheese complements the kale nicely.

The secret to them being so low carb is that instead of using shredded potatoes to make them, you use riced cauliflower instead.

Making the riced cauliflower is pretty easy. Just cut your cauliflower into pieces.

Then place the cauliflower pieces in a food processor and process until rice-like. This food processor should do the trick.

These tots go well with some eggs for breakfast. Or if you’re serving them as appetizers, serve with marinara sauce.

These tots can do for a lovely ketogenic breakfast as well!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 50
  • Fats: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 1g
  • Protein: 3g

3. Caprese Chicken + Kale Skillet

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (4)

Source: mashupmom.com

I love Italian food, as I’m sure many of you do too. But, let’s face it, Italian food can get quite carb-heavy.

So, if you’re craving Italian food but want to skip the carbs, definitely try this dish.

The juicy chicken thighs are topped with ooey, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The kale balances the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar.

This dish is delicious on its own. But to make it a true Italian meal, just add some noodles…zucchini noodles, that is.

Making zucchini noodles is really easy. Just cut off the ends of your zucchini and spiralize using a spiralizer. This is a good quality spiralizer that I recommend.

Check out more keto chicken dinner recipes here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 471
  • Fats: 18g
  • Net Carbs: 11g
  • Protein: 64.56g

4. Low Carb Instant Pot Sausage and Kale Soup

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (5)

Source: homemadeinterest.com

With the cold weather and viruses around, you may be cooped inside. If so, there’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup to cheer you up.

This soup is sure to warm your soul. The browned Italian sausage and tomatoes make it extra flavourful…it’s a great way to get in your kale for the day.

The soup tastes like it’s been simmering away for hours. But it has been cooking for less than 30 minutes in an Instant Pot.

An Instant Pot helps you develop amazing flavors in a fraction of the time. So, you spend less time in the kitchen. If you don’t already have one, there’s a great deal on this one right now.

Check out more ketogenic soup ideas here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 164
  • Fats: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Protein: 20g

5. Air Fryer Kale Chips

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (6)

Source: recipethis.com

Are you craving the munchies? Instead of grabbing potato chips, have these air fryer kale chips instead.

They’re crunchy and taste amazing. You won’t believe they’re keto.

Not only are they low in carbs, but they’re also nutritious too. Just one serving provides 80% of your daily vitamin A needs.

To make them, you’ll be using an air fryer. This takes less time than making them in the oven.

In fact, you’ll only spend 5 minutes making them. If you’re looking for an air fryer, choose one that is non-stick and doesn’t contain toxic chemicals so you can feel good eating your chips.

Now, these kale chips have salt and pepper as your basic seasonings. But feel free to switch them up.

Like them spicy? Go ahead and use some Chipotle seasoning. Check out more keto chip recipes here!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 81
  • Fats: 7g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 1g

6. Baby Kale Avocado Salad

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (7)

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Salads are a great way to get in your veggies. But as nutritious as salads are, they can be pretty tasteless.

This salad is both healthy and delicious. The acidity of the lemon garlic vinaigrette balances the flavor of the kale.

While the crunchiness of the pine nuts melds well with the creamy avocado. All topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Yum!

Now, kale has a reputation for being bitter. However, you won’t find this kale too bitter.

That’s because you use baby kale. Baby kale has a milder flavor than mature kale.

Also, you’ll be massaging the kale with your hands. This makes the flavors less intense.

And since this salad is low in calories, yet high in fat, it is perfect for a nice light lunch. Bon appetit!

Here are more low carb salads you can try for your lunch!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 242
  • Fats: 21g
  • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

7. Crock Pot Chicken Kale Soup

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (8)

Source: lowcarbyum.com

When you’re sick with a cold, nothing warms you up more than chicken noodle soup. After all, that’s what momma gave you as a kid, right?

However, on a keto diet, you definitely want to avoid those noodles. So, what other options do you have? Chicken kale soup!

This soup is just as delicious as a chicken noodle soup. The chicken is wonderfully tender.

That’s because it’s been simmering away in the crockpot for hours. So, the chicken has time to become super tender.

The lemon juice adds a bit of lemon flavor as well as some Vitamin C. With all the vitamin C you’ll be getting in this soup; you’re sure to fight the cold away.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 261
  • Fats: 21g
  • Net Carbs: 1.2g
  • Protein: 14.1g

8. Ground Beef And Kale Casserole

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (9)

Source: healthyrecipesblogs.com

Are you in the mood for pizza, but want to skip the carbs? Then, try this casserole!

It has all the flavors of pizza but with way fewer carbs. It’s packed with nicely browned crumbled beef, tasty marinara sauce, garlic, oregano, and melted mozzarella cheese.

And the wilted kale adds color and makes it super healthy. It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

To make it even cheesier, feel free to add some Parmesan cheese. And if you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes.

Check out more keto casserole meal ideas here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 343
  • Fats: 21g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Protein: 31g

9. Smoked Ham, Kale and Olives Frittata Cups

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (10)

Source: thehealthyfoodie.com

Eggs are great on a keto diet. Not only are they low in carbs, they are also packed with selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

So, it’s good to have one (or two) for breakfast. However, your basic egg dishes can get lame after a while.

These frittata cups are a refreshing change. They’re tasty and packed with delicious ingredients.

Goodies like smoked black forest ham, green olives, and Kalamata olives. And since they’re individual cups, they’re great for portion control; perfect if you’re trying to lose weight.

It’s pretty easy to make them too. Just add your ingredients together and place in a muffin pan.

You’ll want to use a silicone muffin pan so that your frittata cups don’t stick. You can find one here.

Then, bake for 25 minutes and let them cool.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 64
  • Fats: 4.0g
  • Net Carbs: 1.8g
  • Protein: 5.6g

10. Low Carb Creamed Kale with Bacon and Walnuts

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (11)

Source: ibreatheimhungry.com

Are you looking for a side dish that you can serve at dinner parties? Then, give this a try.

It’s super fancy and delicious. The kale is cooked in bacon grease and a creamy mascarpone and parmesan cheese sauce.

Topped with crunchy bacon pieces and walnuts. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures.

The nutmeg adds an earthy flavor. And the aroma is amazing… Your dinner guests will keep coming back for seconds.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 242
  • Fats: 21g
  • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

11. Super Simple Cheesy Keto Creamed Kale

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (12)

Source: aussieketoqueen.com

Here’s another creamed kale recipe. This one is more of a down-home kind of recipe.

It’s pretty simple and takes only 12 minutes to make. So, it’s the perfect side to serve your family after a busy day.

And your entire family will love it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of heat from the Dijon mustard.

Serve with rotisserie chicken and cauliflower mash.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 142
  • Fats: 12g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Protein: 5g

12. Sausage and Kale Mock Lasagna

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (13)

Source: kalynskitchen.com

Craving lasagne, but don’t want to blow your ketosis? Then, this lasagne is a great option.

It’s extra cheesy, saucy, and packed with nicely browned Italian sausage. The ground fennel really amps the flavor.

To make this low carb, you’ll be using kale as your noodles. Just layer your kale, meat sauce, and cheeses.

Make sure you use a salad spinner to drain your cooked kale before layering it in your casserole dish. If you don’t, you may end up with soggy lasagne. You can save some money on this salad spinner right now.

This lasagne is a meal on its own. But, if you like, you can serve it with a side Garden Salad.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 322
  • Fats: 17g
  • Net Carbs: 2.9g
  • Protein: 30g

13. Braised Kale with Apple Cider Vinegar

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (14)

Source: champagne-tastes.com

Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best. And this is true of this salad.

The tang of the apple cider vinegar gives the kale a nice pop of flavor. Sauteeing the kale in olive oil makes the salad nice and warm.

It is a nice change from having a cold salad.

This is a great vegan option. But if you’re not vegan, feel free to add some pieces of bacon for extra fat and protein.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 49
  • Fats: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Protein: 1g

14. Broccoli Kale Pizza Crust

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (15)

Source: flavcity.com

Pizza…what’s not to love about pizza? You have the freshly baked crust, ooey-gooey cheese, yummy tomato sauce, and of course, the toppings?

However, it’s the pizza crust that’s the problem. It’s packed with carbs.

This pizza crust has a fraction of the carbs of regular pizza crust. It’s also crunchy and delicious.

That’s because the crust is flavored with Italian spices like oregano and basil, so it actually tastes better than store-bought pizza crusts.

And it’s actually nutritious. That’s because the dough is packed with good-for-you ingredients like riced broccoli, kale, almond flour, and flaxseed meal.

Almond flour is a great low carb substitute for regular flour. It’s great for making not only pizza crusts but baking in general. If you love to bake, you can stock up on some almond flour here.

Meanwhile, flaxseed is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s. It also helps you feel full and may help you lose weight.

Top with your favorite pizza toppings.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 60
  • Fats: 3.9g
  • Net Carbs: 2.7g
  • Protein: 4.9g

15. Chicken Mushroom Casserole

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (16)

Source: ketosummit.com

Down in the dumps and need some good old fashioned comfort food? Then, give this casserole a try.

The mushrooms pair beautifully with the nicely seared skin-on chicken thighs. And the roasted kale is super crisp.

Serve with a side Garden Salad.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 553
  • Fats: 42g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Protein: 35g

16. Sausage and Kale Soup

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (17)

Source: ruled.me

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup when you’re down in the dumps. Or stuck indoors all day.

This soup is sure to cheer you up. You’ll feel like an Italian grandma made it for you.

You have nicely browned sweet Italian sausage mixed with savory Italian herbs. The carrots and kale add pops of color, while the cauliflower adds texture.

Now, there is a bit of heat, but if you prefer it hotter, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.

As an added bonus, you use only one pot to make it. So, you can spend less time cleaning up and more time on what truly matters; spending time with your loved ones.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 676
  • Fats: 38.2g
  • Net Carbs: 9.5g
  • Protein: 73.2g

17. Low-Carb Cauliflower and Kale Curry Soup

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (18)

Source: simplysohealthy.com

Are you craving Indian food? This soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.

It is heart-warming good. It’s spicy and aromatic thanks to all the Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom.

The heavy cream balances the spiciness of the soup. Meanwhile, the cauliflower and kale add tons of nutrition.

For this recipe, you’ll be using a ton of spices. So, make sure you have a good set of measuring spoons to measure everything out. I like these measuring spoons here because they’re made of stainless steel, so they don’t become rusty or get stained.

This is a lovely ketogenic dinner idea!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 287
  • Fats: 27.4g
  • Net Carbs: 8.9g
  • Protein: 5.9g

18. Keto Cheesy Creamed Kale

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (19)

Source: ketogenic.com

Looking for a side dish that can even double as a main course? This is a great option.

It’s creamy and cheesy and is topped with bacon. And the kale is cooked in bacon grease; it’s a delicious way to eat your veggies.

It’s pretty filling too. So, you can even have it as a light dinner as well.

Serve with pork chops or roast chicken.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 372
  • Fats: 34.8g
  • Net Carbs: 2.1g
  • Protein: 11.5g

19. Keto Salmon, Kale & Poached Egg Bowl

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (20)

Source: ketodietapp.com

Don’t you just love eggs? You can have them for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

This salmon, kale and poached egg bowl is pretty tasty. So, if you love eggs as I do, you’ll want to try it out.

It’s packed with tender, flaky, roast salmon, and refreshing kale. All topped with creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and the perfect poached egg.

It’s packed with healthy fats too. You have your heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado and brain-boosting omega-3s from the salmon.

You’re also getting tons of magnesium and potassium. So, it’s perfect for getting rid of the keto flu.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 826
  • Fats: 66.6g
  • Net Carbs: 7.2g
  • Protein: 44g

20. Italian Sausage & Kale Soup

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (21)

Source: texasgranolagirl.com

Here’s another Italian sausage & Kale Soup dish. You can never have enough Italian Sausage & Kale soup, right?

Unlike the one I mentioned earlier, this one has more heat. That’s because you’re using hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.

The heat of the Italian sausage works wonderfully with the acidity of the diced tomatoes. While the mushrooms further enhance the meatiness of the soup.

The kale and celery add color and freshness. It’s truly a party in your mouth.

The key to the soup being so flavourful is that you use parmesan rinds in the soup. So, your broth ends up taking on all the tasty flavors of the cheese.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 325
  • Fats: 24g
  • Net Carbs: 10g
  • Protein: 15g

Conclusion

Are you ready to use kale in a more fun way? Which one of the recipes is your favorite? Make sure to share with your family and friends!

20 Creative Keto Kale Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is Kale good on keto? ›

Yes, kale is keto-friendly due to its low carbohydrate content and high nutrient profile. Consuming kale on a ketogenic diet can provide robust amounts of Vitamins A, C, and K, supporting eye health, immune function, and more.

Why is kale high in carbs? ›

Carbs. One cup of raw kale contains less than a gram of carbohydrate. Most of this carbohydrate is in the form of fiber (0.8 of the 0.9 total grams).

What is a keto substitute for kale? ›

Tender greens like spinach can replace hardier greens such as kale, but the cooking time must be reduced. For example, make Keto fried eggs with kale using spinach. Instead of cooking the spinach first as you would the kale, add fresh spinach at the very end of the recipe when you add the cranberries and nuts.

What are the side effects of the ketogenic diet? ›

Common short-term side effects resulting from the initiation of KD have been referred to as “keto flu,” which encompasses symptoms including fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and low exercise tolerance [6].

What veggies are unlimited on keto? ›

You do not have to limit vegetables if you are on the keto diet or are considering it. Plenty of low-carb vegetable options include arugula, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

What vegetables eliminate ketosis? ›

Starchy vegetables contain more digestible carbohydrates than fiber and should be limited when you're on the ketogenic diet. These include corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes and beets. Limit high-sugar fruits too, which spike your blood sugar more quickly than berries and have more carbohydrates.

Why can't you eat kale everyday? ›

Plus, eating too much fiber (like what you find in kale) could wreck havoc on your GI system, causing bloating, diarrhea, gas, constipation, and even improper absorption of nutrients. Of course, you'd have to be eating a lot of kale to suffer these effects, says Manganiello, but it's still something to keep in mind.

Does kale spike blood sugar? ›

Kale is known as a “superfood” because it is packed with substances that can help lower blood sugar levels such as fiber and flavonoids antioxidants. A study including 42 Japanese adults showed that eating 7 to 14 grams of kale-containing foods matched with a high carb meal can lower post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Why can't you eat a lot of kale? ›

Consumption of kale in excess can lead to constipation and stomach irritation. Due to the presence of oxalates, kale can increase the risk of kidney stones. Kale contains goitrogens, substances that inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone. So, its intake can increase the risk of iodine deficiency.

What vegetable is healthier than kale? ›

And the winner is …. watercress, with a score of 100 (actually higher but the researcher capped the scores at 100.) It's not just easy to add a handful to that salad (and you'll get the most from its nutrients if you eat it raw), it's easy and quick to grow yourself so you've always got some fresh leaves on hand.

Is Cabbage good for keto? ›

Cabbage is delicious when stuffed into keto fajitas, used in soups, or made into coleslaw with a rich, creamy high-fat dressing that's keto-friendly. It has 2 grams of net carbs per cup shredded, so you can eat a lot in one sitting without falling out of ketosis, says Dixon.

Is the kale salad from Chick Fil A keto? ›

One of the keto-friendly sides at Chick-Fil-A is the kale crunch salad, and it is a great side for one of the grilled sandwiches or nuggets. This salad comes with a blend of kale and green cabbage, topped with salted, crunchy almonds.

Is keto hard on kidneys? ›

Some complications associated with the ketogenic diet include renal impairment and decreased bone density [1]. Renal dysfunction associated with the ketogenic diet has been reported in individuals with underlying kidney disease exposed to high protein.

How do you know if your body has reached ketosis? ›

Symptoms of Ketosis
  • Increased Ketone Levels. The most accurate way to check if you are in ketosis is to test for ketone levels. ...
  • Weight Loss. ...
  • Decreased Appetite. ...
  • Increased Focus and Energy. ...
  • Halitosis, aka Chronic Bad Breath. ...
  • Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination. ...
  • The Keto Flu. ...
  • Digestive Issues.

Does keto affect your teeth? ›

Loosened teeth

A known side effect of the Keto diet is osteoporosis. In simple terms, it is a weakening of the bones that occurs, in this instance, because of insufficient nutrients to form sufficient bone mass. As the jaw bone becomes weaker, teeth can start to become looser too.

What is the lowest carb vegetable? ›

List of the best low carb vegetables
  • Iceberg lettuce. Perhaps one of the most popular — though least nutritious — vegetables, iceberg lettuce has only 2.97 g of carbohydrate per 100 g. ...
  • White mushrooms. Mushrooms contain only 3.26 g of carbs per 100 g. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Zucchini. ...
  • Cauliflower. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Radishes.

Is spinach or kale better? ›

"However, if you are looking for a food that is particularly high in fiber, vitamins K and C, kale is a better choice," she said. "If you are looking for a food that is particularly high in folate and a source of iron, and vitamins A and E, then spinach is a better choice."

Are cucumbers OK on keto? ›

Cucumbers are made of 90% water and are almost calorie-free. One cup of cucumbers contains only 16 calories and 3 grams of net carbs, making it a sure fit for a keto plan.

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