Sauteed kale is a superfood side dish that’s ready to serve in 20 minutes.

This easy sauteed kale recipe is infused with garlic butter and lemon, making it a versatile side to any protein.

plated Sautéed Kale with a spoon

Holly’s Recipe Highlights

  • Quick & Easy – This sautéed kale is ready in 20 minutes with garlic, lemon, and broth for a flavorful side.
  • Pairs with Anything – A bright, garlicky side that goes great with fish, chicken, or beef.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a quick, healthy side anytime.
kale , lemon , salt , garlic , butter and labels to make Sautéed Kale

Fresh and Simple Ingredients

Kale: Look for fresh, full bunches of curly kale or lacinato kale with firm leaves. Wash, dry, and pull away the leaves from the tough stems before coarsely chopping.

Seasonings: Swap out the butter for leftover bacon grease to create a deep, smoky flavor. Make a more savory dish with a simple homemade garlic herb seasoning.

Variations: Add spinach, sliced mushrooms, sauteed onions, or bacon to the pan in the final step for a flavor twist in this recipe.

How to Sautée Kale

  1. Add coarsely chopped kale to a hot skillet with chicken broth.
  2. Cook until tender.  Stir in garlic and butter.
  3. Season with lemon juice and salt before serving.
cooking kale in pan to make Sautéed Kale

Holly’s Best Tips and Tricks

Keep leftover sauteed kale in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Freeze cooled portions in zippered bags for up to a month and add to casseroles, soups, and stir-fries, or make a healthy kale pesto.

Tasty Low Carb Vegetable Sides

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Sauteed kale with garlic and lemon in a serving bowl
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Sauteed Kale

Garlic and lemon give kale a bright, flavorful boost, making it a tasty side for fish, chicken, or any kind of meat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 bunch kale washed, dried, and chopped
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Coarsely chop kale.
  • Add kale and chicken broth to hot skillet. Cook 7-8 minutes or until tender.
  • Push kale to the side of the pan and add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
  • Stir garlic and kale together, drizzle with lemon juice and salt. Cook 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • Leftover sauteed kale can be stored up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or for up to 3 months in the freezer.
5 from 16 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 3334IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

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