Happy National Kale Day!!! Yes…that’s real thing. Although in our household almost every day is Kale Day. We use it in smoothies, as a side dish, and mixed in with zoodles. This super food has massively grown in popularity. For most of my childhood it was used as a garnish on deli platters. According to NPR, it can now be found on 400% more restaurant menus than just four years ago.

The health benefits of kale are widely reported—it’s loaded with antioxidants, is an excellent source of Vitamin C (actually it’s filled with pretty much all the vitamins), has cancer-fighting and anti-cholesterol elements, and is basically considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Just be careful how much you use it in juicing! True story: an acquaintance of my mom’s ended up in the hospital with hyperkalemia from basically overdosing on kale juice!

But perhaps the reason kale has become so popular recently—and inspired it’s own national holiday—is because it is so versatile. You can eat kale for breakfast, lunch, dinner….even dessert!

Here are some recipes that I’m hoping to try in the near future:

Breakfast:

Egg, Mushroom, and Kale Breakfast Burrito by Teaspoon of Spice

Sweet, Spiced Kale Currant Muffins by Cooking on the Weekends

Kale Breakfast Bowls by The Roasted Root

Kale, Bacon, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole by Kalyn's Kitchen

Tropikale Energy Smoothie by Sally's Baking Addiction

Lunch:

Kale and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese by Cooking Light

Kale Fried Rice by Herbivoracious

Massaged Raw Kale Salad by Skinnytaste

Kale Spanakopita Sweetpeas and Saffron

Kale and White Bean Soup with Turkey by Mango Tomato

Dinner:

Chipotle Chicken and Kale Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Bareroot Girl

Crispy Coconut Kale with Roasted Salmon by Goop

Black Bean and Kale Enchiladas by Vegan Yumminess

Three Cheese Bread Pizza with Kale and Sausage by Rachael Ray Magazine

Pasta with Toasted Garlic, Dried Cranberries, Kale, Olives and Feta by Iowa Girl Eats

Dessert:

Beet and Kale Chocolate Cupcakes by The Realistic Nutrtionist

Blueberry Kale Pops by Oh My Veggies

Kale Brownies by Chocolate Covered Katie

Chocolate-Covered Berries Green Smoothie by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

What is your favorite preparation for kale? Share your favorite recipe in the comment section!