Name: Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 6 oz salmon filets; 1 teaspoon olive oil (divided: about 1/2 teaspoon per filet); Sea salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Lemon slices, for serving; 1 box your favorite macaroni and cheese pasta (recommended Annie’s or Banza); 1 bunch dinosaur (Lacinato) kale, chopped; 2 teaspoons olive oil; Sea salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

If you’re searching for a cozy, wholesome meal that perfectly balances comfort and nutrition, this Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, flaky salmon with a crisp golden finish, nestled alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni and vibrant sautéed kale. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together familiar flavors with a fresh, healthy twist. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat to impress someone, these bowls are overflowing with goodness and color, making every bite truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white containers side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white saucepan filled with cooked pasta, pale yellow in color, with soft, tubular shapes. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan, partially submerged in the pasta, the spoon handle extending diagonally toward the top right. On the right, a white rectangular baking dish holds two cooked salmon fillets placed parallel, both light orange with browned edges and a slightly crispy texture, sitting in a shallow pool of cooking juices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind the Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the dish’s rich flavors and delightful textures, from the creamy pasta base to the nutrient-packed greens.

Salmon filets (2 x 6 oz): Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for a tender, flavorful centerpiece that bakes beautifully.
Macaroni and cheese box: Annie’s or Banza are excellent choices for a creamy, cheesy pasta that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Dinosaur kale (1 bunch, chopped): This leafy green adds a vibrant pop of color and a nutritious, slightly earthy taste.
Olive oil (3 teaspoons, divided): Essential for roasting the salmon and sautéing the kale to bring out their best flavors.
Sea salt to taste: Accentuates the natural flavors of the salmon and kale while seasoning the mac and cheese.
Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick and depth to each component of the dish.
Lemon slices for serving: A fresh, zesty garnish that brightens the salmon and ties the whole bowl together.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. While the oven is warming up, gently coat each salmon filet with about half a teaspoon of olive oil and season generously with sea salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the salmon stays moist on the inside and develops a beautiful golden crust when baked. Pop the fish into a baking dish and place it in the oven.

Step 2: Cook the Mac and Cheese

While the salmon bakes, follow the package directions to prepare your mac and cheese. Using a quality brand like Annie’s or Banza makes all the difference here, giving you that perfect creamy sauce and tender pasta that everyone loves. This part is quick and fuss-free, letting you focus on the other components.

Step 3: Roast and Broil the Salmon

Bake the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes, but keep an eye on it — the cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your filets. Once baked through, switch your oven to broil and give the salmon one last minute under the heat. This final touch crisps up the outside, adding a delightful texture contrast and gorgeous golden color.

Step 4: Sauté the Kale

While the salmon is roasting, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped kale and sauté for about 5 minutes until it wilts down beautifully but still retains a bit of bite. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. This green powerhouse adds freshness and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese and salmon.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part: plating your Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe. Grab two shallow bowls and start by spooning in a generous portion of mac and cheese. Add the sautéed kale on one side, then gently place the roasted salmon filet on top. Don’t forget a few fresh lemon slices to add brightness and a touch of acidity that ties everything together beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe

A white frying pan filled with dark green cooked chopped spinach, showing a slightly glossy texture from moisture, placed on a white marbled surface. The spinach pieces are uniformly sized and cover the whole pan bottom, with some small wrinkles and soft folds visible in the leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the visual appeal and flavor, add a sprinkling of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon just before eating adds a fresh zing that perfectly cuts through the creamy cheese. For a little extra crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts work wonders, adding an unexpected texture that makes each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish stands wonderfully on its own but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted root vegetables or simple garlic bread also pair nicely, complementing the hearty components of the Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the components deconstructed in smaller bowls for a fun sharing platter. Alternatively, use vibrant colorful bowls to make the dish pop on your table, highlighting the vivid greens of kale and the rich orange hue of roasted salmon. For a casual gathering, individual ramekins transform this comforting meal into an adorable, personalized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon and mac and cheese separate if possible to maintain texture and freshness, then simply reheat before serving.

Freezing

While the kale and mac and cheese freeze fairly well, salmon can become slightly dry after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to store components separately in freezer-safe containers and thaw them gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to the mac and cheese if it needs loosening. For best results, use a low heat when warming the salmon to preserve its tender texture and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon filets?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before coating with oil and seasoning. This ensures even cooking and helps you achieve that perfect crispy finish when baking.

Is there a substitute for dinosaur kale?

Yes, you can use any hearty kale variety or even spinach if preferred. Keep in mind that spinach wilts much faster and has a milder flavor, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make it dairy-free, choose a vegan mac and cheese option and substitute salmon with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. The kale remains a perfect fit in those versions.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe doesn’t include spicy ingredients by default, but you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the kale or sprinkle some cayenne over the mac and cheese for a little kick.

What’s the best way to cook mac and cheese quickly?

Using a high-quality boxed mac and cheese saves time, but for an even faster meal, prepare the pasta a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then quickly reheat with cheese sauce when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe enough if you’re craving something that’s both comforting and nutritious without complicated prep. This dish brings together creamy, crispy, and fresh elements in a way that feels like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your kitchen!

Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need