Sautéed Kale with Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts
A deeply savory side dish where tender kale and earthy mushrooms are elevated with toasted nuts and a hint of garlic. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs kale, shiitake mushrooms, walnuts 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
- 10 oz kale
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove stems from 10 oz kale and thinly slice leaves; thinly slice 4 oz shiitake mushrooms.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add kale and mushrooms, season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until kale is wilted and mushrooms are tender.
- Step 4: Toast 2 tbsp walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until aromatic, then chop roughly.
- Step 5: Remove kale mixture from heat, stir in toasted walnuts, and serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Kale with Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (12 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts?
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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts?
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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and they all loved it. Simple and healthy.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely perfect with grilled chicken. The kale wasn't tough at all!
- ★★★★★
The walnuts and mushrooms make it so delicious, my husband even ate his greens!