Sautéed kale tossed with bacon is a crazy simple side dish that comes together fast.

It’s time to up my kale game. Today I’m lightly sautéing my fresh-picked kale in butter, oil and garlic. Then comes a splash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of crunchy bacon.

This is now John’s favorite kale recipe. No wonder — I’ve topped it with crispy bacon! I’ve added it to our favorite vegetable dishes, for a delicious twist that everyone loves.

It’s low carb, too! If you’d like to see more, take a look at our low-carb selections for flavorful meals ensuring you stay satisfied and on course with a range of recipes and tips.

What are the health benefits of kale?

I could go on and on about how nutritious kale is. It’s an excellent source of A, C and K vitamins, calcium, fiber and antioxidants.

If you’ve been on the fence about joining the kale craze, this recipe might convince you. Not only is it super nutritious, it delivers with the freshest flavor and tastiest crunch of bacon.

I grow sweet red Russian kale in my garden, but have tried several varieties available at the store and farmer’s market.

Sweet delicate Lacianto kale, peppery curly green kale, or rich red curly kale would all work in this side dish depending on your taste preferences.

The red Russian kale was absolutely delicious, and I savored every crunchy forkful.

Kale can tend to be a bit bitter in flavor, but this bitterness is tamed by washing it well and how you cook it. Are you ready? I’ve got Peter, my photographer, with me to take you through each easy step.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple. You probably have them right there in your kitchen. Kale, bacon, garlic, butter, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Instructions with step by step images

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

First, pick your kale (either from your garden or from the store). Wash the leaves, tear them from the stems, wash again, and set aside.

Next, cook your bacon until crispy. Check out all my tips to cook your bacon in the oven—no fuss and no splatter mess, just perfectly cooked, delicious bacon.

Drain on paper towels and chop into bacon bits. Put the bacon bits aside for a crunchy topping later on.

Smash the garlic either with a garlic press or with the flat side of a knife. Add the garlic to a large skillet with the oil and butter.

Heat until fragrant while the butter melts.

Add the kale and toss.

Cover and cook for about 1 minute.

Remove the top, stir the kale around one more time, and transfer to a serving dish.

Now for a pop of flavor, add a splash of balmy balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with the crispy bacon bits. Mmm.

Serving suggestions

This delicious appetizer or side dish is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. Pair it with grilled meat such as my recipe including My Secret For Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Chimichurri Sauce or a perfectly Pan-Seared Steak.

If you’re not low carb, pair with any one of my gluten free pasta recipes like fast and flavorful Sweet Italian Sausage and Farfalle Pasta (Bow Ties!).

I also think it would make an easy yet impressive holiday side, complementing my Chateaubriand recipe or tasty Pan-Seared Scallops With Beurre Blanc Sauce.

Pro tips and recipe notes

Can I add other ingredients? Yes! Feel free to add nuts, seeds or other vegetables like onions, bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. Or add red pepper flakes while sautéing, if you like a little heat.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This is the perfect side dish as sautéed kale tossed with bacon goes with everything for a side or nutritious snack! And I can’t get over how tasty this superfood is. Enjoy!

Love kale? Try these recipes

Super Delicious Massaged Kale Salad With Pistachios, Tomatoes, And Olives: If you’ve ever had a raw kale salad, you might have noticed that the kale was a little bitter and its texture a little coarse. However, if you massage the kale it seems to break down leaving it much tastier.

Autumn kale salad: This massaged kale salad is topped with apple slices, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and goat cheese. Yum.

Sautéed Kale Recipe: Come and see pictures of our organic vegetable garden and try my delightful garden kale recipe prepared with homemade gluten-free chicken broth.

Marinated grilled chicken with sauteed kale and spinach: This chicken is extra-juicy and ultra-flavorful, super light and nutritious. And, best of all, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare.

Turkey tenderloin stuffed with kale and goat cheese: This is an elegant dish and actually simple to prepare. You’re going to love this meal.

Turkey Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots: This is a nutritious and more fun way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers!

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