Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds
Tender kale ribbons cooked with garlic and almonds for a crisp-tender side that’s rich in healthy fats and fiber. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs kale, almonds, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 5 oz kale
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove tough kale stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly in cold water, then pat completely dry with a clean towel.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 5 oz torn kale to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt, and toss continuously for 3-4 minutes until kale is wilted and dark green.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp sliced almonds and cook for 2 minutes until almonds are golden and fragrant, tossing constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, immediately add 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and toss to combine. Serve warm as a side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds?
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 kale from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds?
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 Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
