Description
The Best Kale Crunch Salad is everything you want in a salad: crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavor. This isn’t your average leafy greens salad — it’s a mix of hearty kale, fresh vegetables, and a crunchy element (hello, almonds and sunflower seeds) that keeps you coming back for more. The secret weapon? A tangy, zesty dressing that ties everything together. It’s light yet filling, making it the perfect side dish or a healthy main meal. You can easily add your favorite protein (grilled chicken, anyone?) for a full meal, or keep it simple for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped (about 1 large bunch)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a little bit of olive oil for about 2 minutes to soften the leaves. This step helps break down the fiber, making the kale more tender and flavorful.
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the dressing is smooth.
In a large salad bowl, toss the massaged kale, shredded carrots, red cabbage, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the veggies and toppings are evenly coated.
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, or let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad also holds up well in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy it for a few days.
Notes
This Kale Crunch Salad is great on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with just about anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for a filling meal. It’s also perfect as a side dish to any Mediterranean or Asian-inspired dishes. For a heartier salad, you can add grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or avocado for some extra protein and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~150 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Protein: ~4g