Kale has been growing increasingly popular amongst health conscious moms. This superfood provides you with the vitamins and minerals you need to fight obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other issues that are common amongst children and adults in the United States. As a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, kale offers many of the same benefits you’ll find in brussels sprouts and broccoli. This vegetable is nutrient-dense and can last much longer in your fridge when compared to other fresh foods. Kale is also a great source of vitamins C and K, iron, omega-3, and fiber. It can help prevent cancer, inflammation, and mood changes when you eat just a few cups each day. It’s also great in a smoothie! Here are three easy and kid-friendly ways to use kale:

3 Ways to Use Kale

Cheesy kale chips

This tasty dish makes a great after-school snack for the kids. Simply roast kale leaves in the oven for 20 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. They’ll turn into a crispy chip that’s a healthier alternative to store bought tortilla or potato chips.

Quinoa with kale, corn, and spinach

For a quick and healthy meal, create a salad with quinoa, kale, corn and spinach. This protein packed dish is easy and delicious.  Check out this recipe from Kiwi Magazine:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat
• Add onion and cook for 3 minutes
• Add quinoa and kale, cook for 5 minutes
• Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, spinach, corn, sea salt, pepper and chili powder
• Bring ingredients to a boil
• Reduce to a simmer and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes
• Remove from heat and let cool
• Put on a plate and serve

Kale Caesar

You can easily make a kale Caesar salad by mixing together kale leaves and store-bought dressing. If you want to make your own Caesar dressing, follow these steps and use the ingredients listed below:

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1 clove pressed garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 oil pack anchovy fillet, mashed with fork
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons of mayo

1. Add pressed garlic to lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes

2. Prepare the dressing by whisking all but the oil together.

3. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup oil

4. Toss dressing with kale

5. Serve and enjoy

Do your children love kale? How do you incorporate it into your recipes?