Kale salads are all about bringing fresh, bold flavors and satisfying crunch to the table. Packed with bright citrus, crisp veggies, and toppings like nuts or seeds, these salads balance hearty greens with vibrant textures and tangy dressings. Whether you’re planning a simple lunch or a side for dinner, they’re a great way to keep things fresh while still feeling like a complete dish. These recipes prove kale isn’t just for smoothies—it’s the star of salads that stand out in the best way.
Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon
Inspired by Il Corvo in Seattle, this garlic kale salad features pecorino cheese, toasted pepitas, and a green garlic confit dressing. The hearty texture of kale and the nutty flavors of pepitas create a nutrient-packed side dish perfect for pairing with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon
Kale Salad With Cranberries
This kale salad with cranberries, lemon, and crunchy nuts combines fresh, vibrant textures with zesty undertones. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s a quick way to showcase kale’s nutrient-rich profile and versatility as the ultimate base for bright, crunchy salads.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries
Kale Harvest Salad
A quick and easy kale salad with carrots and dates that’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The hearty kale leaves provide a nutritious foundation for the sweetness of dates and crunch of carrots in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Featuring prunes, pomegranate, and feta, this kale salad is paired with a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor. Kale’s firm texture and nutrient density make it an excellent base for this vibrant mix of sweet and savory ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Winter Chopped Kale Salad
This winter chopped kale salad combines pears, dates, gorgonzola, and a cranberry vinaigrette for a seasonal favorite. The sturdy kale leaves hold up beautifully to the rich and bold flavors, making it a perfect addition to holiday menus or cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Winter Chopped Kale Salad
Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
Chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing brings together a creamy, nutty dressing with protein-packed chickpeas and tender kale. The hearty texture of kale shines in this refreshing option that works as a nutrient-dense side dish or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
Kale Apple Salad
Kale apple salad with poppy seed dressing is a refreshing option that pairs massaged kale with crisp apples and a sweet dressing. The balance of textures highlights kale’s versatility as the ultimate ingredient for creating bright, crowd-pleasing salads.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad
Sriracha Kale Caesar Salad
This sriracha kale Caesar salad takes the classic to the next level with spicy sriracha and the rich flavor of Tuscan kale. Kale’s hearty leaves hold up to the bold, creamy dressing, making this a standout choice for lovers of salads with heat and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Quinoa Salad
Kale quinoa salad brings together nutrient-rich ingredients into a wholesome, satisfying dish. The earthy kale and fluffy quinoa form the perfect base for a vibrant salad that’s hearty enough to be a side dish or main meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad
Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad
Inspired by Mexican elote, this street corn kale salad features a creamy yogurt lime dressing and colorful toppings. Kale’s robust leaves make the perfect base for this flavorful, nutrient-packed option that’s great for serving as a refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad
Spicy Thai Carrot and Kale Salad
Spicy Thai carrot and kale salad is tossed with a creamy sriracha peanut butter dressing for a bold, satisfying dish. Kale’s fresh and firm base balances the spicy, nutty flavors, creating a vibrant salad perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Carrot and Kale Salad
Barley Kale and Cherry Salad
Barley kale and cherry salad combines chewy barley, fresh kale, and toasted walnuts with sweet cherries. Kale’s crisp texture makes it an excellent base for this hearty, flavorful side dish that works well for summer gatherings or simple meals.
Get the Recipe: Barley Kale and Cherry Salad
Baby Kale Salad
Baby kale salad with tahini dressing, roasted BBQ chickpeas, and apple slices is a quick, flavorful option for plant-based eating. The fresh kale complements the sweetness of apples and smoky BBQ chickpeas, making it a standout choice for vibrant salads.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad
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