Looking for easy ways to enjoy kale that are full of flavor? These kale salad recipes are the perfect mix of nutritious and delicious. Whether you want something tangy, sweet, hearty, or light – there’s a salad here for every taste and every season.
1. Kale & Apple Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing
Ingredients:
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4 cups kale, chopped and massaged
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1 apple, thinly sliced (Fuji or Granny Smith)
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¼ cup walnuts, toasted
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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2 tbsp feta cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
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In a large bowl, combine kale, apple slices, cranberries, and walnuts.
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Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Add feta on top and serve chilled.
Tip: Massage kale with a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes before using – it softens the texture and improves flavor.
2. Kale Caesar Salad (Healthy Twist!)
Ingredients:
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4 cups kale, chopped
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½ cup whole wheat croutons
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
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1 boiled egg (optional)
For the dressing:
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2 tbsp Greek yogurt
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl until creamy.
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In a salad bowl, add kale, croutons, and Parmesan.
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Pour the dressing over and toss. Top with sliced egg if using.
Tip: This salad pairs well with grilled chicken for a full meal!
3. Mango Avocado Kale Salad
Ingredients:
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3 cups kale, chopped
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1 ripe mango, cubed
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the dressing:
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
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Whisk together lime juice, honey, oil, and chili flakes.
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In a bowl, combine kale, mango, avocado, and red pepper.
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Add dressing and toss carefully. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Tip: Chill before serving for an extra-refreshing taste.
4. Mediterranean Kale Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups kale, chopped
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1 cucumber, diced
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ red onion, sliced
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¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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¼ cup feta cheese
For the dressing:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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½ tsp oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine kale, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta in a bowl.
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Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.
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Toss well and serve immediately.
Tip: Add grilled shrimp or chickpeas for extra protein.
5. Kale & Quinoa Protein Salad
Ingredients:
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3 cups kale, chopped
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1 cup cooked quinoa
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¼ cup edamame or chickpeas
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1 carrot, grated
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2 tbsp sunflower seeds
For the dressing:
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp tahini
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
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Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
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Drizzle over salad, toss, and enjoy.
Tip: This makes a great meal-prep lunch. Store dressing separately until ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
Kale doesn’t have to be bitter or boring. These simple kale salad recipes prove just how versatile and crave-worthy this super green can be. Try one today and give your meal a fresh, healthy upgrade!