Best 4 Simplest Kale Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

In the realm of healthy and refreshing salads, kale salad stands tall as a nutritional powerhouse. With its vibrant green leaves and slightly bitter flavor, kale offers a unique culinary experience that is both satisfying and beneficial for your well-being. This article presents a collection of kale salad recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary desires. From classic kale salads with simple dressings to more innovative creations featuring roasted vegetables, fruits, and grains, these recipes unlock the full potential of this versatile leafy green. Whether you're a seasoned salad enthusiast or just starting your journey into healthy eating, these kale salad recipes promise to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.

**Recipes included in the article:**

1. **Classic Kale Salad:** A timeless recipe that showcases the natural flavors of kale, tossed with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

2. **Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad:** A hearty and colorful salad that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy notes of kale, complemented by a creamy goat cheese dressing.

3. **Kale and Quinoa Salad:** A protein-packed salad that features quinoa as a base, along with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

4. **Kale and Apple Salad:** A refreshing and crunchy salad that pairs crisp kale with sweet apples, nutty walnuts, and a tangy cider vinaigrette.

5. **Kale and Avocado Salad:** A creamy and satisfying salad that combines creamy avocado with kale, crumbled bacon, and a tangy honey-mustard dressing.

6. **Kale and Chickpea Salad:** A hearty and flavorful salad that combines chickpeas with kale, roasted red peppers, and a lemony dressing.

7. **Kale and Grapefruit Salad:** A light and refreshing salad that pairs tart grapefruit with kale, toasted almonds, and a citrusy vinaigrette.

8. **Kale and Farro Salad:** A hearty and nutritious salad that features farro as a base, along with kale, roasted beets, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

9. **Kale and Salmon Salad:** A protein-rich salad that pairs grilled or roasted salmon with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy avocado dressing.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLE KALE SALAD



Simple Kale Salad image

This easy kale salad is an easy way to work rich, leafy greens into your everyday diet! Enjoy it as-is or add some of your favorite salad toppings. Enjoy!

Provided by Dani Spies

Categories     salad     sides

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8th teaspoon kosher salt
1 clove crushed garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Rinse kale under cold water. Remove stems, roll leaves, and slice into thin ribbons.
  • Place kale ribbons into a salad spinner to remove any excess water. This is important if you want your dressing to adhere to the kale leaves.
  • Transfer the kale to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, then add salt, garlic and lemon juice.
  • Gently massage all the ingredients into the kale using your hands. If the kale is very tender, you can simply toss with tongs (no massage required!).
  • Enjoy as-is or add your favorite salad toppings.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 87 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 180 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g

EVERYDAY KALE SALAD



Everyday Kale Salad image

This easy kale salad recipe only takes 5 minutes to make with 5 easy ingredients, and tastes great with just about everything! Feel free to adjust the proportions of any of the ingredients below to taste.

Provided by Ali

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

5 ounces kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the kale, olive oil and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to massage the oil and lemon juice into the kale for about 1-2 minutes, or until the kale has softened.
  • Add the Parmesan, sliced almonds, a pinch of salt and a few twists of black pepper and toss until evenly combined. Taste and add extra salt, pepper or lemon juice, if needed.
  • Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy!

SIMPLEST KALE SALAD



Simplest Kale Salad image

Memorize this classic, cheesy, massaged kale salad and make it your go-to side for any family dinner.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Salad     Kale     Lemon Juice     Honey     Cheese     Parmesan     Side     Kid-Friendly     Small Plates     Quick and Healthy     Quick & Easy     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 bunches curly kale (about 1 lb.), rinsed, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 1"-1 1/2" pieces
2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt in a large bowl. Add kale and toss to coat. Massage with your hands until leaves are shiny and dark green. Toss in Parmesan. Transfer salad to a platter. Top with more Parmesan before serving.

THE BEST KALE SALAD



The Best Kale Salad image

Everyone always asks for the recipe when I bring this salad to parties. We all love it so much, my friends and I just refer to it as: 'The Kale Salad'.

Provided by Alli Shircliff

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Kale Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs discarded and leaves cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 pinches salt
¼ cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 carrots, grated
½ cup frozen roasted corn (such as Trader Joe's®), thawed
¼ cup crushed tortilla chips
¼ cup dry-roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons grated smoked white cheese (such as Beecher's® Smoked Flagship)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Steps:

  • Place kale in a large serving bowl; add 1 teaspoon olive oil and 2 pinches salt. Gently massage the oil and salt into kale. Set aside to allow kale to soften, about 10 minutes.
  • Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a plastic or glass container with a lid. Cover container and vigorously shake until dressing is light yellow and evenly combined.
  • Layer carrots, roasted corn, tortilla chips, almonds, and smoked cheese on top of kale. Drizzle dressing over salad. Mix salad using tongs to evenly distribute. Gently stir eggs into salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23.7 g, Cholesterol 110.3 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 378.4 mg, Sugar 4 g

Tips:

  • Select the right kale: Choose kale that is deep green and has no signs of wilting or yellowing. Curly kale and lacinato kale are both good options for this salad.
  • Massage the kale: This helps to break down the tough fibers in the kale and make it more tender. To massage the kale, simply rub it between your hands for a few minutes until it starts to soften.
  • Use a variety of toppings: The toppings you use for your kale salad can really make a difference in the flavor and texture. Some popular options include dried cranberries, almonds, feta cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
  • Make it ahead of time: Kale salad is a great make-ahead salad. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the dressing just before serving.

Conclusion:

Kale salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and it can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, give kale salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics