Best Kale Salad Recipes: Finding the Perfect Kale Salad Recipe for You
Salads can be super healthy and satisfying, especially when made with nutrient-rich kale. If you’re looking for some new kale salad recipes to try, this list of the best kale salad recipes will have you covered.
This list of the best kale salad recipes will feature the top recipes for kale salads and will allow you to find the perfect option for you. From a simple kale and grapefruit salad to a more complex winter harvest kale salad, there’s sure to be a recipe here that will become your go-to for easy weekday meals.
After you finish with this list of the best kale salad recipes, our lists of the best cucumber salad recipes, best broccoli salad recipes, and best arugula salad recipes will also provide some more excellent recipes.
Top 10 Kale Salad Recipes:
1. Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh kale, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
About This Recipe: This refreshing salad combines tender kale leaves massaged with a tangy lemon and garlic dressing, topped with savory Parmesan shavings. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that serves as a perfect side or light meal.
2. Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, almonds, cranberries
About This Recipe: A delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, this salad features kale tossed with a honey-lemon dressing, complemented by crunchy almonds and sweet cranberries for added texture and taste.
3. Ginger Carrot & Kale Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, carrots, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce
About This Recipe: Quick and easy, this salad brings together the zest of ginger and the sweetness of carrots with hearty kale, all dressed in a flavorful sesame-soy vinaigrette.
4. Deb’s Kale Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, apples, dried cranberries, pecans, olive oil, lemon juice
About This Recipe: This autumn-inspired salad combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans with kale, all tossed in a light lemon dressing, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
5. Greek Kale Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, olives, lemon juice, olive oil
About This Recipe: A Mediterranean twist on the classic kale salad, featuring fresh vegetables and tangy feta, all brought together with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing.
6. Massaged Kale Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, salt
About This Recipe: Massaging kale with creamy avocado and lemon juice transforms it into a tender and flavorful base for this simple yet satisfying salad.
7. Kale Salad with Warm Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, dried cranberries, almonds, shallots, apple cider vinegar, honey
About This Recipe: Warm vinaigrette infused with cranberries and almonds adds depth to this hearty kale salad, making it a comforting choice for cooler days.
8. Southwestern Kale Power Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, sweet potatoes, quinoa, black beans, corn, avocado, lime juice
About This Recipe: Packed with nutrients, this vibrant salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy avocado sauce for a satisfying meal.
9. Kale Caesar Crunch Salad
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, croutons, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing
About This Recipe: A crunchy take on the classic Caesar, this salad uses kale as the base, providing a hearty and nutritious twist.
10. Broccoli Kale Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Kale, broccoli, almonds, dried cranberries, lemon juice, poppy seeds
About This Recipe: This salad combines the robust flavors of kale and broccoli with a sweet and tangy lemon poppy seed dressing, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Kale Salad Recipes
While every recipe on this list offers great taste and nutrition, a few stand out as editor favorites. First is the Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing, which perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements with almonds and cranberries. Another top pick is the Southwestern Kale Power Salad, a hearty, protein-rich option that brings sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado together for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal. These recipes highlight how kale can be the star of both light side dishes and filling entrées.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kale Salad Recipes
Why do I need to massage kale before making a salad?
Massaging kale helps break down its tough fibers, making it softer and easier to eat. Just rub the kale with olive oil, lemon juice, or avocado for a minute or two until it turns darker and more tender.
Can I eat kale raw in salads?
Yes! Kale is perfectly safe to eat raw and is actually packed with nutrients. Raw kale is best when massaged or finely chopped and balanced with flavorful dressings or toppings to mellow its bitterness.
How long does kale salad last in the fridge?
Kale salads typically last up to 3 days in the fridge, especially when the dressing is already mixed in. Kale holds up better than most greens, making it ideal for meal prep. For longer freshness, store the dressing separately and add before serving.
What ingredients go well with kale in salads?
Kale pairs well with fruits (like apples, cranberries, and citrus), nuts (almonds, pecans), cheeses (Parmesan, feta), grains (quinoa, farro), and hearty dressings such as Caesar, lemon vinaigrette, or tahini-based sauces.
Tips for Making the Best Kale Salad Recipes at Home
Start with fresh, dark green kale, and take time to remove the stems and chop the leaves finely for the best texture. Always massage the kale with a little oil or citrus juice to soften it—this also enhances flavor and makes it easier to digest.
Balance the robust flavor of kale with sweet or acidic ingredients, like dried fruits, apples, or citrus dressings. For extra crunch and satisfaction, toss in toasted nuts or seeds. Don’t be afraid to get creative with proteins—grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted tofu all work beautifully. Finally, allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes after dressing it so the flavors meld and the kale softens even more.
Best Kale Salad Recipes Conclusion
There you have it, our best kale salad recipes that are sure to please. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something a bit more hearty, one of these recipes is sure to fit the bill.
And as great tasting as these salads are, they are also extra health. So double bonus!
Is there a kale salad recipe that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so.
