Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp sliced almonds and cook for 2 minutes until almonds are golden and fragrant, tossing constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, immediately add 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and toss to combine. Serve warm as a side dish.

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.

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