Tender with a pleasantly earthy flavor and a little less bitterness than curly kale, Lacinato kale is easy to use both raw and cooked. Slice it thin for salads, sauté it with garlic, fold it into soups and pasta, or add it to grain bowls for extra texture and substance.

Its flatter leaves soften quickly with dressing or heat, making it a versatile choice for weeknight cooking and meal prep.