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. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. 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.
  4. Add cranberries and garlic. Continue to saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve immediately.
  7. 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)

Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomato halves and herbs with a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the baking dish.

Roasted Tomatoes

Rich and flavorful roasted tomatoes with garlic and your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Turkey Salad
Bowl of turkey cubes, apples and an array of chopped vegetables over a bed of lettuce.

Turkey Salad

Diced turkey, crunchy vegetables and sweet raisins combined with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Dried Bananas
Small bowls of sliced dried banana.

Dried Bananas

A simple recipe that is full of flavor and perfect for snacking!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
1 dried banana
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Bowl of egg noodles with peas and tuna mixed in.

Stovetop Tuna Casserole

Tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce, bright peas and tasty tuna.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Spinach with Garbanzo Beans
Bowl of bright green salad with beans.

Spinach with Garbanzo Beans

Garlicky, tender garbanzo beans sauteed with spinach for a warm and delicious meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sautéed Zucchini
Bowl of zucchini spears.

Sautéed Zucchini

This 4-ingredient recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Customize by adding your favorite spices!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups