Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest
Vibrant, nutrient-dense cracker bites featuring tender kale and mixed nuts, baked until crisp and brightened with lemon zest. This international-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chopped kale, walnuts, pecans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 2 cups finely chopped kale, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Process until kale is broken down and nuts are finely ground.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp water and pulse until mixture holds together when pressed, adding 1 tsp more water if needed.
- Step 4: Spread mixture evenly onto lined baking sheet to 1/8-inch thickness, smoothing with a spatula.
- Step 5: Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp at edges, then cool completely on sheet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped kale from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Kale and Nut Crackers with Lemon Zest vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
