If you’re on the hunt for a bright and irresistible side that takes hardly any time yet truly shines, a Simple Kale Salad might just become your new go-to. There’s something genuinely magical about this mix: hearty, emerald-green kale massaged until tender, then tossed with a citrusy balsamic dressing, crunchy toasted almonds, sweet-tart cranberries, and a glorious shower of Parmesan. Every bite bursts with color, crunch, and flavor—perfect for everyday dinners or as a standout party salad. You’ve got wholesome, crowd-pleasing, and utterly addictive all in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look basic, but each plays an important role in layering flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Use this combination for a Simple Kale Salad that’s fresh, vibrant, and satisfying—no bland or boring greens here!

Olive oil: The base for the dressing, it adds richness and helps the flavors bind to the kale leaves.
Fresh lemon juice: Offers just the right amount of brightness and tang to wake up the flavors.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth, perfectly balancing the acidity.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for a creamy texture.
Honey: A drizzle counteracts the kale’s natural bitterness and rounds out the vinaigrette.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that heighten taste and tie everything together.
Kale (Lacinato preferred): The soul of this salad—its sturdy leaves become tender and flavorful once massaged.
Additional olive oil and kosher salt (for massaging): Softens kale’s texture and reduces its bitterness for a mellow bite.
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese: Lends a savory, nutty element that melts lovingly into the greens.
Toasted sliced almonds: Deliver irresistible crunch and a warm, toasty flavor throughout the salad.
Dried cranberries: Bring gorgeous color and little pops of chewy, tangy sweetness.

How to Make Simple Kale Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Give it an enthusiastic whisk until the dressing becomes silky and the honey blends right in. If you like, you can shake it up in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for extra convenience—just a few seconds and your homemade vinaigrette is ready to shine.

Step 2: Prep the Kale

Now, let’s get the kale ready for its transformation. Begin by removing the tough stems: simply grip the top of the stem, then slide your hand downward to strip off the tender leafy part in one satisfying motion. Stack the leaves and use a sharp knife to chop them into fine ribbons or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Massage the Kale

Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with just a little olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Then, massage the leaves with your fingertips for a minute or two. As you work the leaves, you’ll notice them turn a lovely darker green and soften—this step takes away bitterness and makes the kale easier to eat.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Drizzle your beautifully blended dressing over the massaged kale. Toss it all together until every leaf glistens. Add the parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries, then toss once more for an even distribution of flavors and colorful bits in every bite. Serve up your Simple Kale Salad immediately and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Simple Kale Salad

Garnishes

Give your Simple Kale Salad a final flourish with a sprinkle more of Parmesan or a handful of microgreens. Thinly sliced radishes or a few lemon zest curls add extra color and freshness, and a grind of black pepper makes everything pop right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is a versatile companion. Pair it with grilled chicken, a crispy roasted salmon fillet, or serve it next to a warm bowl of soup. It’s equally happy alongside pasta or as a part of a potluck spread—it just seems to fit in everywhere!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, try piling the salad high on a large platter and nestling whole toasted almonds and shavings of Parmesan over the top. If you’re hosting a picnic, pack the Simple Kale Salad in mason jars with the dressing on the bottom—just shake and eat. Or, nestle the salad into Belgian endive leaves for a bite-sized appetizer that looks straight out of a fancy bistro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of Simple Kale Salad is that it actually holds up well in the fridge, thanks to the sturdiness of kale. Store leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container; the flavors continue to mingle and the kale softens even further, making it just as delicious the second day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Simple Kale Salad. Fresh kale will wilt and the texture of nuts and dried fruit can be compromised after thawing. It’s best enjoyed crisp and vibrant, right from the refrigerator.

Reheating

No reheating required—Simple Kale Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re craving something warm, you could briefly wilt the kale in a skillet before assembling the salad, but it’s honestly best served as is for that signature crunch and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use another type of kale for Simple Kale Salad?

Absolutely. While Lacinato (or dinosaur) kale is tender and has a slightly sweet flavor, curly kale or even baby kale will also work well. Adjust massaging time if needed—curly kale may need a bit more TLC to soften up.

Is it necessary to massage the kale?

Yes! Massaging is the secret to a truly great Simple Kale Salad. It tenderizes the leaves, makes them easier to chew, and mellows out any bitterness. That extra minute really transforms the texture and taste.

What can I use instead of almonds?

If you need a nut-free version or just want to switch things up, try toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a rich, earthy note.

How do I make Simple Kale Salad vegan?

Skip the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative (or use nutritional yeast for that savory touch). Everything else in the salad is naturally plant-based, making this an easy swap.

Can this salad be made ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! You can make Simple Kale Salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate—the kale holds up beautifully and the flavors only get better as they mingle. Just keep the almonds separate until serving to retain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly satisfying about a salad so simple, colorful, and full of flavor. I hope you’re inspired to give Simple Kale Salad a try and make it your own. It’s one of those recipes that earns a regular spot on the table—fresh, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Simple Kale Salad Recipe