We love this kale salad in particular as it’s an explosion in flavors and textures! It’s sweet, savory, and tangy at the same time, and the different textures of massaged velvety kale with crunchy carrots, sunflower seeds, and chewy cranberries, it’s just amazing! Try this kale salad recipe and you will add it to your rotation as it’s so simple, yet very delicious and loaded with vitamins and goodness! I also love making kale chips every time I buy a bag of fresh kale, so be sure to check out my recipe. This is one of my go-to salads for Thanksgiving, and I often make a salad or two. This kale salad and my brussels sprouts salad are always on the menu, and everyone loves them!
Kale Salad Ingredients
To make this simple salad, here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh kale – I used regular curly kale, but feel free to swap it for cavolo nero/Tuscan kale, or purple kale if you prefer. Carrot – peeled and grated on a box grater. Lemon vinaigrette – freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shallot – can be substituted with red onion if that’s what you have available. Cranberries – use dried cranberries not fresh. They add sweetness and texture to the salad. Sunflower seeds – for an extra crunch and Omega 3! Fresh kale – I used regular curly kale, but feel free to swap it for cavolo nero/Tuscan kale, or purple kale if you prefer. Carrot – peeled and grated on a box grater. Lemon vinaigrette – freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shallot – can be substituted with red onion if that’s what you have available. Cranberries – use dried cranberries not fresh. They add sweetness and texture to the salad. Sunflower seeds – for an extra crunch and Omega 3!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Massage Kale
It’s essential to massage kale to soften and wilt the tough leaves. Wash and dry the kale, then remove the tough stems, and give the kale leaves a rough chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to a large bowl, drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Then with clean hands massage the kale leaves for about 3 minutes. What this will do, is tenderize the kale leaves and turn them into velvety and smooth salad leaves infused with olive oil. The color of the kale will darken and that’s ok. The salt will also give the kale leaves extra flavor. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for even more flavor. If you’re avoiding oil, just use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead. It works the same way!
How to Make Kale Salad with a Simple Lemon Vinaigrette
Recipe Video
I also created a short video to show you how to make this easy kale salad!
Meal Prep and Storing
This salad is PERFECT for making ahead! I love making it on the weekend, to enjoy all week long! It stores so well, and the flavors don’t change. Store separately. If you prefer, you can store the salad in an airtight container and store the vinaigrette in a separate jar. Dress the salad before serving. Fridge. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Kale Salad Variations
Cheese – add your favorite cheese to the salad, I like crumbled feta or goat cheese, but cubed cheddar also works great here! Or simply, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Protein – add cooked chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, or cooked beans. Vegetables – add fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber, radishes. Nuts – this is a nut-free version here, but adding toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds will add a great flavor and crunch. Dressing – my favorite dressing to go with this salad is lemon vinaigrette, but you can totally do something fancier like a raspberry vinaigrette or even a Caesar dressing. Grains – add cooked brown rice, quinoa, barley, or farro.
Serve this salad with penne arrabbiata, homemade alfredo pasta, Italian stuffed peppers, lemon baked cod, creamy lemon chicken, or something simple like Air fryer fish, Air fryer chicken breast, or Air fryer salmon!
More Great Salads
Homemade Caesar salad Shrimp Cobb Salad Caprese salad Mediterranean chickpea salad Watermelon feta salad Crab kani salad Russian vinegret salad Best coleslaw
© Little Sunny Kitchen
