Skip to main content

Kale and Cranberry Stir-Fry

A sweet and savory recipe with a hint of fresh citrus. A great way to add dark leafy greens to your meals!
Plate of stir-fried kale with cranberries.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
¼ cup chopped onion (¼ medium onion)
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 clove garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups chopped kale (leaf portion, no stems)
Juice from ½ orange (about ¼ cup)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Add oil and onion to large skillet. Stir and saute over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet) until onion is clear.
  3. Add cranberries and garlic. Continue to saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add kale. Pour or squeeze orange juice over top of kale. Continue to stir fry for about 5 minutes until kale is wilting and hot.
  5. Serve immediately.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • 1 bunch fresh kale (about 8 cups, chopped)

Comments

This is a very simple, quick, beautiful, and tasty way to add dark leafy greens to your dinner rotation! I used this recipe as part of a class, and then immediately made it several more times at home, including Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone who tried it loved it! It would also be delicious and even more colorful with cubed (cooked) winter squash tossed in and warmed up alongside the garlic and cranberries.

Works well with fresh spinach too.

Great quick recipe for all the kale in my garden! We didn't use the onion...it turned out so well and everyone had seconds.

I didn't think *I* liked kale either, but I made this for a presentation at a farmer's market, and it was really good!  For the other kale newbies:  6 cups of kale *looks* like a lot, but it cooks down to a manageable amount of food. The red cranberries are very festive against the greens, and I'll definitely be including this dish at my holiday table. 

A very tasty and quick way to serve kale!  If there are leftovers, add a splash of balsamic vinegar and serve as a salad for lunch the next day.
 

I didn't think I liked kale until I tried this recipe - now I make it at least once a week!  It is super quick and has tons of flavor. 

I added unsalted sunflower seeds the same time I added the cranberries and garlic. This added an extra little crunch and was a hit with everyone over for Thanksgiving!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salmon Pasta Skillet
Bowl of pasta shells and salmon garnished with parsley.

Salmon Pasta Skillet

Whole grain pasta, canned salmon, and tomatoes come together for a delicious and nutritious pasta meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Quick Brown Bread
Sliced loaf of whole-wheat bread with evenly space air pockets.

Quick Brown Bread

Warm and comforting bread recipe with whole wheat flour and a hint of sweet brown sugar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Burrito Soup
Bowls of Burrito Soup served with tortillas.

Burrito Soup

A tasty, one-pot soup that is full of protein-packed beans, veggies and flavorful spices.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 Cups
Applesauce French Toast
Slices of french toast cooked with applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon are displayed on a plate.

Applesauce French Toast

Flavorful, low-sugar breakfast option that’s perfect with your favorite toppings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Slices
Roasted Beets
Baking sheet with golden and red beets.

Roasted Beets

A colorful and earthy side dish that only uses 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
5 to 10 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Morning Muffins
Golden muffins with raisins served with a glass of milk.

Morning Muffins

These carrot-filled morning muffins with crunchy nuts, warm cinnamon flavor, and whole-grain oats are a filling breakfast or on-the-go snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Was this page helpful to you?