Kale may have a reputation for being a somewhat tough and bitter vegetable, but when paired with the right ingredients and flavor combinations, it is unbeatable as the base for a great salad! These kale salad recipes are all vegan or vegetarian, and here to show you how versatile kale salads can truly be.
Why You'll Love Kale Salads
- Packed with nutrients. Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods, providing essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin K, and fiber.
- Versatile. With its mild flavor, kale is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many different recipes, including salads.
- Quick and easy. From chopping to meal prep, most kale salads are quick and easy to make.
- Great texture. Kale salads can be as complex or simple as you'd like them to be; the crispy texture of the leaves and the variety of flavors you can add make for a truly delicious meal.
- Preserves well: Kale salads (even when dressed) stay fresh in the refrigerator much longer than other greens, making them a great salad base to make large batch salads and use throughout the week.
Top Tips And The Best Kale Salad!
As you can probably tell, I LOVE kale salads. They're a great way to get your greens in and make a flavorful, nutritious meal! That said, when I was new to it, it was intimidating. There are so many ingredients and options out there that it can be hard to know where to start. Plus, if it's not done right, then they can be crunchy and bitter, and no one wants that.
That’s why I wanted to start this post with two easy tips for creating the best kale salad you’ve ever tasted.
Massage your kale. This is LITERALLY the one step that makes a huge difference in the texture of your kale salad. This may sound strange, but it's essential because it breaks down the tough fibers in the leaves which makes them easier to chew and digest. To massage your kale, remove the tough stems, tear it into bite-sized pieces and add a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice and then, just your hands to rub the leaves together until they become wilted and fragrant.
Don't overdress. When dressing any type of salad it's important not to overdo it with too much dressing otherwise all of your other ingredients will get lost in its flavor! Start by lightly tossing all of your prepared ingredients together before adding just enough vinaigrette or other salad dressing so that each leaf is lightly coated without drowning in dressing. This will help ensure that all of those amazing flavors come through without overpowering them!
Lemon Garlic Kale Salad
This lemon garlic kale salad is about as simple as you can get, but truly one of the best kale salads out there. It has a simple poached garlic dressing, and is topped with pepitas and pecorino cheese. Easy to customize with protein, and ready in no time!
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Hearty Kale Salads
One of the best ways to enjoy this leafy green is in a hearty salad. Packed with hearty ingredients, these salads make the perfect meal or side dish.
Black Lentil Kale Salad
This vegan salad is packed with protein thanks to lentils. The acorn squash adds a winter flair to this salad.
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Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Orzo
This chickpea and kale orzo salad is perfect for winter. It is tied together with an amazing yogurt sauce.
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Kale Wild Rice Salad
This kale wild rice salad is a hearty lunch idea, with lots of flavor from a spiced ginger dressing. Easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients!
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Kale Salad with Spicy Chickpeas
This hearty winter salad features tandoori spiced crispy chickpeas, massaged lemony kale and a creamy roasted garlic & tahini dressing. It is more than satisfying enough for a dinner entrée and makes a lovely, healthy addition to any holiday spread. We're serving this zesty vegan salad with our bold and spicy take on Thanksgiving, and invite you to as well.
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Tuscan Kale Salad
This tuscan kale salad is so juicy, fresh, and wholesome. Topped with fresh mandarins, cranberries, goat cheese, candied pepitas and a maple orange dressing!
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Kale and Farro Salad
Delicious whole grains combine with kale and dried fruit for an exceptional recipe. This kale farro salad is great warm or cold and tastes great leftover!
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Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Avocado and Jammy Egg
Nutritious, filling roasted sweet potato kale salad with avocado, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and a 6-minute egg. This delicious salad makes for a satisfying complete meal.
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Kale, Butternut Squash & Farro Salad
This kale salad uses nutty faro, sweet butternut squash and tangy pomegranate seeds to create a delicious dish worth of a main meal. It's simple to make and uses a tonne of bright flavours and fresh ingredients!
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Black Lentil Salad with Feta and Kale
This Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad with Feta is bursting with flavor! Easy to make, a great source of protein, and meal prep friendly for dinners or lunches. Features healthy lentils, creamy feta, crisp veggies, and a simple vinaigrette.
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Kale and Cranberry Salad Recipe
This cranberry kale salad is absolutely delicious. A healthy lunch option or serve as a Thanksgiving. This salad is gluten-free and vegetarian. Ready in just 10 minutes!
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Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Dinosaur kale is massaged with the BEST caesar dressing, then tossed with freshly shaved Parmesan, crispy roasted chickpeas and drizzled with more of that amazing caesar salad. You need this salad in your life!
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Mediterranean Kale Salad
You've never had a Mediterranean kale salad like this one! It leaps out of the salad bowl with Mediterranean flavors! Big bold and briny olives, sweet tomatoes, salty feta, and crisp cucumber make this the perfect summer evening meal!
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Kale Quinoa Salads
Kale and quinoa are both superfoods that offer a range of health benefits (providing protein and fiber, boosting energy and reducing inflammation). When combined with other fresh ingredients and a tasty dressing, these salads are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. My favorite kale quinoa salads are listed below.
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms
Swap your cold greens for this warm, hearty kale salad with quinoa, umami-packed roasted mushrooms and tangy garlic-soy dressing. This is a salad you’ll want to eat on even the coldest days!
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Simple Kale Quinoa Salad
This Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad is super simple, loaded with plant protein, vitamins, and healthy fats (yet, oil-free!) It has tons of flavor and texture and iit only take about 20 minutes to make!
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Kale Quinoa Almond Salad
Quinoa kale almond salad recipe. A deliciously fresh and sweet tasting kale salad packed with nutty tastes and bursting with flavour from juicy golden raisins.
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Warm Kale and Quinoa Salad with Veggies
This warm kale salad is comforting while still being loaded with veggies and protein.
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Kale Quinoa Salad With Apricots
Try this super tasty and healthy kale quinoa salad packed with feta, apricots, walnuts and avocado. Nutritious and delicious!
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Greek Kale Quinoa Salad
If you are looking to update your lunches or add a sophisticated side to the menu, this Kale and Quinoa Salad is just the ticket. With beautiful crisp kale, hearty quinoa, dried cranberries, feta, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a garlic balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a taste explosion.
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Kale Salad With Apples
Kale salad with apples with brings out the best of both sweet and savory flavors. The crisp texture of kale pairs wonderfully with juicy, tart apples while a tangy dressing provides just the right amount of kick. I've compiled a few recipes that are a must-try, and the bonus is that they're all vegan!
Kale Apple Salad with BBQ Chickpeas
The best tasting recipe for a quick and easy baby kale salad! Tossed in a simple tahini dressing and topped with roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, it's a complete plant-based meal with little effort.
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Kale Apple Salad with Oil-Free Dressing
This easy kale salad with apple has an oil-free lemon, maple syrup and ginger dressing that's so refreshing!
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Kale Apple Salad with Cabbage and Carrots
You will be obsessed with the easy sweet and savory dressing that makes this kale apple slaw the perfect flavorful side dish. Shredded kale, red and green cabbage, carrots, and crisp apples come together in this crunchy and healthy coleslaw.
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Kale Apple Slaw with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Kale apple slaw is an easy vegan salad that's coated in a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing.
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Kid Friendly Kale Apple Salad
A kid-friendly kale salad recipe that is delicious all year round.
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Kale Salad with Apples and Roasted Butternut Squash
Kale Salad with Apples and Roasted Butternut Squash is as lovely as it is delicious. Pops of white, red, purple and orange create a beautiful display against the leafy greens. It will be the most delicious centerpiece of any dinner table. And friends, if salad can be comfort food (Pssst … it can!), THIS salad definitely is!
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Kale Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries
Crunchy superfood kale and quinoa salad with raw walnuts, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, dried cranberries and apple. This super simple, nutrient-packed salad is perfect for putting on repeat throughout the week. Make it in big batches and take it to work!
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Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Kale and Pumpkin
Light and healthy vegan fall harvest salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious: crunchy kale paired with sweet pumpkin, tart Brussels sprouts, crisp apples and pomegranate seeds all merged together with delicious homemade maple-mustard dressing.
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Kale Salad with Apples and Honey
Kale is beautifully complimented by diced apple and sweet honey in this delicious and healthy superfood salad. Make sure to use vegan honey!
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Kale Salad with Creamy Dressing
If you're searching for the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, with just the right hint of seasoning, then you need to try one of the salads from this list of creamy kale salads.
Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing
Try this delicious massaged kale salad with walnuts. Dressed in a creamy avocado dressing, this is an easy recipe that everyone will love! It is also vegan, and low-carb making it great for those on special diets.
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Sesame Miso Kale Salad with Tofu
This salad is a copycat of the sweetgreen shroomami salad.
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Tahini Kale Salad with Apples
This tahini kale salad combines your healthy greens with sweet apple and a zingy tahini dressing. Easy to make as a flavorful side or light lunch.
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Vegetarian Kale Salads with Creamy Dressing
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing
This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad contains shredded kale and Brussels sprouts tossed in a creamy, savory miso-ginger dressing and topped with avocado and chia seeds.
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Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad
Inspired by Mexican elote, this recipe boasts a rich variety of colours and textures in every mouthful. This kale salad is light, refreshing and totally delicious.
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Kale Veggie Salad with Tahini Yogurt Pesto
This Kale and Roasted Veggie Salad with Tahini Yogurt Pesto perfectly combines healthy, energy packed power foods into one delicious bowl.
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Kale Salad with Vinaigrettes
If you're looking for something a bit simpler, you'll want to try one of these kale salads with vinaigrettes. They're all packed with awesome flavor, without becoming too heavy, so, it's a great way to get your greens in without having to sacrifice flavor!
Vegan Kale Salads with Vinaigrette
Chopped Kale Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
This chopped kale avocado salad is made with just 7 ingredients, including a homemade vinaigrette dressing.
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Cranberry Walnut Kale Salad
Whip up this vegan kale salad as a quick lunch or light side dish! Flavorful and easy to throw together this kale salad recipe is topped with a tangy tangy balsamic dressing.
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Kale Broccoli Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This Kale Broccoli Salad has all the colors of the rainbow and it is topped with a healthy and delicious Citrus Vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together perfectly!
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Lemony Kale Chiffonade Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
This crisp green salad has layers of bright flavor and crunch! You will crave this salad weekly.
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Massaged Kale Salad with Orange-Ginger Vinaigrette
The best winter Massaged Kale Salad recipe with pomegranate arils, sweet orange slices and toasted slivered almonds. Massaging kale softens the leaves, leaving them tender and ready to be coated in a scrumptious orange ginger dressing!
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Massaged Kale Salad with Mandarin Vinaigrette
Massaged Kale Salad with an easy Mandarin Vinaigrette is the most delicious way to enjoy this hardy winter green. Give those leaves a little extra love makes them so tender and converts even the most intense kale haters to kale lovers!
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Vegetarian Kale Salads with Vinaigrette
Rainbow Kale Salad with Lemon Oil Vinaigrette
Kale Salad made with kale, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and parmesan, then dressed in a lemon olive oil vinaigrette.
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Kale Salad With Simple Lemon Vinaigrette
Easy, healthy, and refreshing kale salad made with simple lemon vinaigrette. It makes the perfect side to go with any meal or light lunch that you can make ahead! Also makes a great salad for your holiday table.
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Berry Kale Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Fresh berries pair with hearty kale in the easy salad that looks and tastes amazing! Tang feta cheese and a crunch of almonds help to add protein to this winter or early spring salad.
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Unique Kale Salads
These one-of-a-kind kale salads are a totally unique blend of flavors. Find everything from Southwest and Mediterranean flavor combinations!
Southwest Kale Quinoa Bowl
This Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Kale is delicious and easy to make. This high-protein vegan salad is excellent for lunch or dinner, meal prep, or bringing it to a party for a healthy side.
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Crispy Kale and Black Rice Salad
Try a fun spin on kale salad with this crispy kale and black rice salad with toasted coconut and a sesame dressing. Top with grilled tofu for a balanced meal.
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Pasta Salad with Kale
This pasta kale salad is a perfect choice for your busy midweek menu. Not only it's healthy and tasty, you can get it ready in 15 minutes. Plus, you can enjoy it either hot or cold. What's not to love?
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Summer Strawberry Kale Salad
This Summer Strawberry Salad is made with kale, arugula, beets, strawberries and chickpeas for added protein. It's paired with a delicious homemade dressing for the perfect finishing touch!
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Black Kale Salad
A delicious Black Kale Salad with a light dressing, topped with shaved Parmesan and whole wheat croutons is the perfect light meal.
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Kale Tortilla Salad
This vegetarian kale tortilla salad is perfect for meal prep! With protein-rich black beans, crispy tortilla chips, sharp cheddar cheese, pickled red onions and juicy tomatoes in a cilantro-lime dressing.
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Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing
This Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing is easy-to-make, fast, healthy and delicious. It’s the perfect fall kale salad with squash and it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
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Asian Kale Salad
Kale, peppers, and snap peas are tossed with a peanut, ginger, and lime dressing inspired by Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
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Warm Kale Salads
Warm kale salads are made with kale leaves that are gently wilted in a warm dressing, creating a comforting meal that's both satisfying and healthy. Below, I have compiled my favorite warm kale salads (and as always, both vegan and vegetarian versions abound!)
Kale Apple Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
This tart, sweet, crunchy salad is perfect paired with a warm pumpkin vinaigrette.
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Warm Kale Salad with Chickpeas
This easy Sautéed kale and Chickpeas recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make with only 5 healthy ingredients, and tastes great on its own or as a side dish!
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Warm Kale Salad with Pomegranate
Quick and easy warm kale salad with interesting ingredients like Pomegranate and homemade beet chips. This salad is perfect salad on a cold winter night. Serve with a main course meal or as a meal by itself.
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Warm Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Warm Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing is a quick and super tasty way to eat your veggies!
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Warm Kale Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
This warm kale salad is shallot vinaigrette and tossed with sharp pecorino, toasty pecans, and pickled golden raisins. It’s sweet, savory, and so satisfying on a cold winter day!
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Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad
A healthy, tangy, and easy kale salad! You can serve this recipe warm or cold and is great perfect for lunch or dinner.
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