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Have you ever had kale chips before? They became pretty popular a couple of years ago. This “cheesy” salt and vinegar kale chips version is a keeper. It’s well worth trying even if you’ve had others before. Combining two superfoods (kale and nutritional yeast), it’s chock full of nutrients and flavor.
Before I get to the kale chips themselves, I have to say how excited I am for some healthy real food after traveling!
We returned from our trip to London a couple of days ago. I’m quite pleased with everything we were able to fit into our itinerary. We visited the most the main landmarks and museums in London: the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey (from the outside), Buckingham Palace (from the outside), the Churchill War Rooms, St. James Park, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, the Bank of England Museum, and Sky Garden. Whew! We even took a day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath. I’m pretty pleased that we managed to get all of this in only three and a half days! In case anyone is planning to visit in the future, I’ll try to find time to create a more detailed post with a great London itinerary.
Although I loved London, upon returning I couldn’t be more ready for some leafy greens. Apparently they aren’t big on that over there – or maybe I wasn’t (for a change), wanting to just try the foods that the city is known for. Needless to say, salad is not one of them. I try to choose healthy and low carb options even when eating out, but we all indulge a little on vacation. Upon returning, I couldn’t wait to make my BLT stuffed avocados for lunch. Next up, I had to make these salt and vinegar kale chips!
Whether you’ve already tried a billion and one other kale chip recipes, or you’re looking for them for the first time, I hope you’ll try these kale chips. Actually, I urge you to try them even if you aren’t a kale fan. Seriously, give them a chance, because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Many people think they don’t like kale, but I believe that even the most determined kale hater would enjoy these salt and vinegar kale chips. The stiff stems are removed prior to baking. Massaging the remaining leaves with oil and vinegar helps to soften the exterior cell walls, stripping away the bitterness. Believe it or not, this process leaves the kale leaves with a more delicate taste and even a little sweetness.
You probably don’t need to me to tell you that kale is brimming with a boatload vitamins and minerals – but I’m going to anyway, because I’m kind of amazed by it. Seriously, it’s almost easier to list what it doesn’t have than what it does. This member of the cruciferous family packs in vitamins A, K, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and fiber (source). Wow, that’s a long list!
Do you need more reasons why these easy kale chips are a superfood? Then let’s talk about nutritional yeast.
If you haven’t used nutritional yeast before, don’t be put off by it. The taste is similar to parmesan cheese, but a little more nutty. It has the appearance of small golden flakes. Don’t worry, it has no relation to the “bad” types of yeast, like candida.
Nutritional yeast happens to be vegan, but you do not need to be vegan to enjoy it. If you are, though, it’s particularly beneficial. Unlike most protein options available for vegans and vegetarians, it is a source of complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Most plant sources have certain groups of amino acids, but not all in one place, so nutritional yeast is a rare exception in that aspect. It even has a few extras; there are nine amino acids that are considered essential, but nutritional yeast has sixteen!
Even if you get your complete array of amino acids from meat and dairy, like I do, nutritional yeast is loaded with tons of other benefits. There’s a reason it’s so often called a superfood! It contains tons of vitamins and minerals, with a particularly large amount of B-complex vitamins and chromium, which often helps to aid in weight loss (source). Can’t complain about that!
I’m kind of obsessed with these kale chips, actually. As I sit on the couch with a big bowl of them next to me, I can’t help but study how pretty each chip is before popping it into my mouth. The texture is light and airy, with a distinct crunch. The unmistakable tangy zing of salt and vinegar coats each scrunched ripple of the curly kale. The nutritional yeast creates a smoky, cheesy flavor that happens to be low carb, paleo, and vegan.
Can you imagine biting into one of these salt and vinegar kale chips right now?
Go make a batch, or if you don’t have nutritional yeast, go order it so that you can make them this weekend!
If you still don’t like kale chips, try these healthy baked zucchini chips with truffle salt!
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Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips (Paleo, Low Carb):
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RECIPE CARD
5-Ingredient Salt & Vinegar Kale Chips (Paleo, Low Carb)
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- 5 oz Kale (cut into pieces, stems removed)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- 3 tbsp Nutritional yeast (divided)
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
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VIDEO + NUTRITION INFO + RECIPE NOTES below!
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white vinegar. Add the kale pieces and massage the oil and vinegar mixture into the kale.
- Stir in 2/3 of the nutritional yeast and all of the sea salt. Mix to disperse evenly. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheets. Sprinkle remaining nutritional yeast on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until crispy.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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2 Comments
Cherie
I was wondering if apple would work also?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Cherie, I’m sure it would, but would not be low carb if that’s something you’re looking for. Of course you wouldn’t want the salt and vinegar in that case, either. 🙂