Side Dishes > Vegan Side Dishes > Simple Vegan Sides > Sautéed Kale with Garlic

Zesty Lemon Garlic Sautéed Kale: A Quick Vegan Delight

Elevate your side dish game with this zesty lemon garlic sautéed kale. It's vegan, simple, and bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for adding a healthy touch to any meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound), stemmed and chopped Kale
  • 3 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 (juice and zest) Lemon
  • 2 tablespoons (optional, toasted) Pine Nuts
  • 1 tablespoon (optional) Nutritional Yeast
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Prepare the Kale

Wash the kale thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and ribs, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Zest the lemon and then juice it. Mince the garlic.

Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the Kale and Lemon Zest

Add the chopped kale and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to coat the kale with the garlic-infused oil and lemon zest.

Cook the Kale

Cook the kale for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it wilts and becomes tender. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water if the kale starts to stick to the pan.

Finish with Lemon Juice and Seasoning

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and nutritional yeast (if using) for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 65kcal Carbohydrates: 7.5g Protein: 3.1g Fat: 3.4g Fiber: 1.5g Vitamin A: 285% RDA Vitamin K: 700% RDA Vitamin C: 37% RDA

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Adding pine nuts will increase the fat content of the dish. Lemon juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants. This recipe is naturally low in sodium; adjust salt to taste.

← Steamed Broccoli with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Dressing →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of kale?

    Yes, you can use different types of kale, such as curly kale, lacinato kale (dinosaur kale), or red kale. Cooking times may vary slightly.
  • What can I substitute for pine nuts?

    If you don't have pine nuts, you can use other nuts such as slivered almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Toast them lightly before adding to the kale.
  • Is nutritional yeast necessary?

    No, nutritional yeast is optional, but it adds a cheesy and savory flavor to the dish. If you don't have it, you can omit it or try adding a sprinkle of grated vegan parmesan cheese.