Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and foolproof kale salad recipe? This easy kale salad recipe is everything you want—vibrant, zesty, and packed with texture. Whether you’re a kale lover or skeptic, this Tuscan kale salad is the one that changes minds. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, and it’s easy enough for meal prep too!
💚 Bonus: It’s perfect as a vegan kale salad recipe or topped with protein for a full meal!
🥬 What Makes This the Best Kale Salad?
This kale salad with cranberries and almonds is bursting with flavor thanks to these simple ingredients:
- Lacinato kale (Tuscan kale) – Softer than curly kale and easier to chew, making it ideal for a massaged kale salad.
- Olive oil – Just a drizzle to soften the kale leaves.
- Kosher salt – Helps break down the kale for better texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami bite (or sub with vegan cheese).
- Sliced almonds – For a nutty crunch.
- Dried cranberries – Sweet and chewy, they balance the savory notes.
Together, these create a delicious Mediterranean kale salad vibe in every bite.
🥄 Homemade Lemon Balsamic Kale Salad Dressing
Ditch the store-bought stuff! This homemade kale salad dressing is fresh, tangy, and comes together in minutes.
You’ll Need:
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey or pure maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
This zesty lemon kale salad dressing pairs beautifully with the hearty kale and sweet cranberries. It’s also a great base for any kale salad recipe for weight loss thanks to its clean, wholesome ingredients.
👩🍳 How to Make This Massaged Kale Salad
New to kale? Don’t worry—it’s easy to prep, and massaging kale makes it tender and totally delicious.
Step-by-step:
- Strip the kale leaves. Hold the top of the stem and slide your hand down to remove the leaves.
- Finely chop the kale. Smaller pieces are easier to eat and better absorb the dressing.
- Massage the kale. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt, then rub with your hands until it softens.
- Toss the salad. Add dressing, Parmesan, almonds, and cranberries. Mix well and enjoy!
This easy kale salad recipe truly comes together in minutes.
🥑 Add-Ins & Customization Ideas
Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists on the classic kale salad:
- Kale salad with apples – Thinly sliced for crisp sweetness.
- Kale salad with goat cheese – Adds creamy tang.
- Kale salad with avocado – For richness and healthy fats.
- Kale salad with chicken – Turns it into a full meal.
- Kale salad with lemon dressing – Add more citrus for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Swap cranberries with dried cherries or golden raisins.
- Use pecans, walnuts, or pepitas instead of almonds.
- Top with chickpeas or crispy roasted chickpeas for plant-based protein.
This salad is incredibly versatile, making it a great base for everything from a vegan kale salad to a kale salad with chicken.
🧊 How to Store Kale Salad
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days—even dressed, the kale holds up well.
Meal prepping? Keep the chopped kale, toppings, and dressing separate. Kale can be washed, stemmed, and stored (wrapped in a paper towel in a bag) for 2–3 days. The dressing keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
This is the kind of kale salad recipe that gets better the longer it sits, making it a great make-ahead option.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Kale Salad Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Just 15 minutes start to finish!
- Healthy & Satisfying – Perfect for clean eating or weight loss-friendly meals.
- Endlessly Customizable – Add what you love!
- Crowd Favorite – Even non-kale fans love it!
🌟 Final Thoughts
This kale salad with cranberries might seem simple, but it’s surprisingly addictive. The tangy lemon balsamic dressing, sweet cranberries, salty cheese, and crunchy almonds all come together for a salad you’ll crave.
Whether you’re after a Mediterranean kale salad, a vegan kale salad recipe, or just a delicious kale salad with lemon dressing that works with anything—this is it.
Give kale a chance. You might just fall in love. 💚
🛠️ Tools & Ingredients I Personally Recommend
Here are a few tools and pantry staples I regularly use when making this kale salad (and honestly, for most of my everyday cooking!). These are the kinds of products that make prep easier, help your salad look great, and elevate the final flavor too.
🥗 Salad-Making Essentials
- Williams Sonoma Large Salad Bowl for Entertaining – This gorgeous, durable salad bowl is my go-to for tossing large salads and serving them at the table. Shop the Williams Sonoma Large Salad Bowl if you want something practical and pretty for serving.
- Glass Mixing Bowl for Salad Dressings – Perfect for whisking together your homemade lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Check out this small glass bowl for prep work.
- Professional Chef’s Knife for Chopping Greens – A good sharp knife makes massaging and chopping kale so much faster and easier. This chef’s knife is one I use daily, and it’s great for everything from veggies to herbs.
🧂 Pantry Staples That Make a Difference
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar for Dressings – A rich, slightly sweet balsamic can really bring out the flavor in your salad. Try this aged balsamic vinegar for bold, balanced flavor.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt – Great for massaging kale and seasoning everything evenly. This kosher salt has the perfect flake size and is a staple in many chef kitchens.
- Toasted Sliced Almonds for Crunch – These toasted almonds are ready to go, saving you time and adding perfect crunch to every bite.
- Raw Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) – If you’re not into almonds, raw pepitas are an awesome alternative with great texture and nutrition.
- Premium Pine Nuts for Extra Richness – Slightly buttery and so flavorful. These pine nuts take any salad to the next level.
- Golden Raisins for Natural Sweetness – A beautiful swap for cranberries. Golden raisins add soft, chewy sweetness.
- Dried Currants for a Mediterranean Twist – Smaller and a bit tangy, these dried currants are amazing in kale or Mediterranean salads.
These are the exact kinds of tools and ingredients I turn to when making this recipe at home. A few small upgrades in your kitchen gear or pantry can make everyday recipes—like this simple kale salad—even more delicious and satisfying.
🥄 Discover More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this kale salad, we’ve got plenty more wholesome, feel-good recipes waiting for you! Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or high-protein, there’s something on Recipita for everyone:
- Looking for more power-packed salads? Try our vibrant Superfood Salmon Salad—it’s full of omega-3s, leafy greens, and fresh flavor.
- Have a sweet tooth? You’ll love these fluffy, golden Air Fryer Donuts—they’re quick, healthier, and totally irresistible.
- Trying viral food trends? Don’t miss our creamy and protein-packed Viral Cottage Cheese Ice Cream—yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
- Meal prep magic? Our juicy Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers are a reader favorite.
- Feeling cozy and creative? Check out our rich and savory Ramen Carbonara, a delicious twist on two classics.
- Craving something quick & classic? Our Eggless Vegan Crêpes are light, versatile, and perfect for any time of day.
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Simple Kale Salad
Description
Think kale salad is boring? Think again. This massaged kale salad is crisp, tangy, sweet, and savory all in one bite—with juicy cranberries, crunchy almonds, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon balsamic dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of easy kale salad recipe that turns kale skeptics into fans after one bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a light lunch, or a kale salad recipe for weight loss that actually tastes amazing, this one delivers.
Perfect as a Tuscan kale salad, a Mediterranean kale salad, or even topped with chicken or avocado for a hearty meal—this recipe is endlessly customizable and meal prep-friendly. If you’ve been hunting for a vegan kale salad recipe that’s both feel-good and crave-worthy, you’ve just found it.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the Kale:
- Remove the tough stems by gripping the top of each stem and pulling your hand down to separate the leafy part. Finely chop the leaves using a sharp knife.
- Massage the Kale:
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale until it softens slightly—this helps reduce bitterness and improves texture.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat evenly. Add the shredded Parmesan, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (or chosen variations). Toss once more and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 204kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 6mg2%
- Sodium 141mg6%
- Potassium 133mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 6g12%
- Vitamin A 432 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 142 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
