We've got the Best Kale Salad recipe for you. Not only is it simple and easy to make, but it also combines the freshness of kale with a tangy yet smooth olive oil dressing that will leave you craving for more.
I am thrilled to share one of our personal favorite kale salad recipes! The crispness of the fresh kale perfectly compliment the dried cranberries which bring the tang, plus parmesan cheese for added creaminess. The blend of flavors in this salad is further enhanced by a simple olive oil salad dressing with basil. This is such as great salad to eat at any time of the day and would be perfect to share with everyone!
Try some of our other favorite side dishes, such as Simple Macaroni Salad, Cucumber Onion Tomato Salad, Southern Squash Casserole, or Zucchini and Tomato Bake.
If you try the recipe, please leave us a comment or rating below!
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Ingredients for Kale Salad with Dried Cranberries and Parmesan
- fresh kale
- parmesan cheese
- red onion
- sunflower seeds
- dried cranberries
- extra virgin olive oil
- red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- dijon mustard
- minced garlic
- dried basil
- salt
- black pepper
FAQs
Use extra virgin olive oil for the dressing. It has a robust flavor and contains higher levels of antioxidants and healthy fats compared to other types of olive oil.
Absolutely! You can add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your kale salad. Some popular additions include: nuts and seeds, apple slices, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, chicken or chickpeas.
Top Tips
- What type of kale should I use? When it comes to choosing kale for your salad, there are a few different varieties to consider. Curly kale is the most common type, with its dark green and ruffled leaves. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, has a more textured and earthy flavor. Choose the variety that appeals to your taste buds and suits the overall flavor profile you desire.
- To ensure your kale salad is bursting with freshness, look for kale leaves that are crisp and vibrant in color. Avoid leaves that are wilted, yellowed, or have brown spots. Organic kale is always a great option as it tends to be grown without the use of pesticides, making for a cleaner and healthier salad.
- While kale is the star of the show in this recipe, we can't forget about the supporting cast. To add some extra flavor and texture to your salad, consider adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted nuts. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your personal favorite.
- Kale can be tough and bitter if not prepared properly. Before adding other ingredients, massage the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice for a few minutes. This helps to break down the tough fibers and reduce bitterness.
- If you plan to prepare the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent any sogginess.
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
How to make Easy Kale Salad Recipe
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- In a large bowl, combine fresh, washed and chopped kale leaves, diced red onion, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- Drizzle and toss the dressing over the salad and serve immediately to maintain the crispness. Enjoy!
Best Kale Salad with Simple Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Kale Salad
- 4 cups fresh kale, cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
Olive Oil Dijon Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- In a large bowl, combine fresh, washed and chopped kale leaves, diced red onion, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- Drizzle and toss the dressing over the salad and serve immediately to maintain the crispness. Enjoy!
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