10 Reasons We're Still Not Over Kale

Here are 10 more reasons why we’re still not over this trendy lettuce.
Stock Photo of Kale on White

FN_Stock_Kale_White_H

Stock Photo of Kale on White

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Last week on April Fools' Day, Ina Garten posted a photo of green-frosted, kale leaf-garnished cupcakes on Instagram with the caption: “These Kale Cupcakes are a healthy twist on one of my favorite cupcake recipes. They look absolutely gorgeous and are the perfect treat for spring! And the best part is, they’re so delicious kids won’t even guess that there’s a vegetable hidden inside.” And I’ll admit it: She totally got me for a second. Ina’s hilarious April fool pretty much sums up how out-of-control the kale trend has become.

But that doesn’t mean we should all turn against kale. It has revolutionized salad for me — the hearty greens make it a much more satisfying meal than romaine or spinach ever did. And it has helped transform the smoothie from a fruity sugar bomb into a snack or breakfast that can actually be good for you. Here are 10 more reasons why we’re still not over this trendy lettuce.

Food Stylist: Susan Spungen
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food Stylist: Susan Spungen Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Con Poulos

Con Poulos

It makes a mean chip.
Food Network's Kale and Artichoke Dip

Food Network's Kale and Artichoke Dip

Photo by: Tara Donne ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Tara Donne, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

And it puts an awesome twist on a classic dip.
Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

KaleSoup_055.tif

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo by: Christopher Testani

Christopher Testani

It’s an all-star addition to just about any soup.
Healthified Kale and Portobello Lasagna

Healthified Kale and Portobello Lasagna

Healthified Kale and Portobello Lasagna

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It takes lasagna to the next level.

And it marries well with pretty much any cheesy comfort food.

FNK_KALE_PISTACHIO_PESTO_SPAGHETTI_H_.jpg

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

It adds an earthy note and brilliant green color to pesto.

Bobby Flay's Sauteed Kale

Bobby_Flay_Fit_Sauteed_Kale

Bobby Flay's Sauteed Kale

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It cooks in five minutes for an incredibly easy side dish.

FN_FN Kitchens Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chicken Breasts.tif

FN_FN Kitchens Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chicken Breasts.tif

FN_FN Kitchens Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chicken Breasts.tif

©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

It does wonders for a boring boneless, skinless chicken breast.

You can use it to make a super-green margarita.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It doesn’t have to be healthy.

See, there are many reasons to continue to obsess over kale. But that doesn’t mean it should ever end up in a cupcake.

Check out more healthy kale recipes from Food Network. 

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