The secret to the best kale salad isn't a fancy technique — it's a nutty sesame dressing that tenderizes as it flavors. Chopped kale mellows under that dressing, then gets piled with dried cherries, scallions, and toasted almonds. Ten minutes, one bowl, and kale converts its skeptics.
The Secret to the Best Kale Salad!
Ready to fall in love with kale? The secret to transforming tough, bitter leaves into a tender, delicious salad is all in the massage! A couple of minutes working the dressing into the greens breaks them down, creating an irresistibly silky texture and mellow flavor. This simple step is a total game-changer, turning a humble bunch of kale into a crave-worthy meal. You can use any kale variety you love, or even swap in collards or mustard greens for a different twist!
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 500 g kale, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup / 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) Sesame Dressing
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) toasted sesame seeds
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml / 2 fl oz) dried cherries
• 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• ½ cup / 40 g (1.41 oz) toasted slivered almonds
Instructions
1. Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and pour the Sesame Dressing over it. Using your hands, gently massage the dressing into the kale for about 2 minutes, until the leaves become tender and slightly wilted.
2. Add the toasted sesame seeds, dried cherries, sliced green onions, and toasted slivered almonds to the bowl.
3. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Serve immediately for the best texture, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 12 g
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip the massage! This step is crucial for tenderizing the kale and removing any bitterness, making the texture much more pleasant.
• For maximum crunch, add the toasted almonds just before serving, especially if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
• Feel free to customize your add-ins. Swap the dried cherries for cranberries or chopped dates, or use toasted pepitas instead of almonds.
• Ensure your kale is completely dry before adding the dressing. This helps the dressing cling to the leaves properly for the best flavor.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more plant-based protein to this kale salad
A: To make this a more protein-rich vegetarian meal, consider adding a cup of cooked chickpeas, edamame, or some crispy baked tofu. A sprinkle of hemp seeds would also add a nice protein boost.
Q: What can I use instead of almonds for a nut-free version
A: For a delicious nut-free crunch, you can easily substitute the toasted slivered almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds. They provide a similar texture and nutty flavor.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian kale salad ahead of time
A: Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Because kale is so sturdy, you can dress and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the toasted almonds separate and add them just before serving.
Q: How do I turn this salad into a complete vegetarian meal
A: To make this a satisfying main course, add a serving of a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. You could also top it with a scoop of cooked lentils, roasted sweet potato cubes, or sliced avocado for extra healthy fats and substance.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the kale is completely dry before dressing — the recipe's rule — wet leaves repel the dressing and dilute it.
- Add the toasted almonds just before serving for maximum crunch, exactly as the recipe advises.
- This salad welcomes customization — swap in your favorite dried fruit and nuts; the sesame dressing ties whatever you pick together.
- A short rest after dressing softens the ribbons nicely — this is one salad that won't wilt into sadness at a potluck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make kale less bitter?
Bite-size chopping plus a nutty dressing does most of the work here, and the dried cherries bring sweetness to balance what's left.
Can I make kale salad ahead?
Yes — dress it a bit ahead to soften the leaves, but hold the almonds until serving so they stay crunchy.
What is in the sesame dressing?
The site's sesame dressing — toasty, a little sweet, and clingy. Make it first and the salad is nearly done.
Is this kale salad healthy?
Very — dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruit, with a dressing you control from scratch.
Recipe card below.
More Recipes You’ll Love
The Secret to the Best Kale Salad!
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and pour the Sesame Dressing over it.
- Using your hands, gently massage the dressing into the kale for about 2 minutes, until the leaves become tender and slightly wilted.
- Add the toasted sesame seeds, dried cherries, sliced green onions, and toasted slivered almonds to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Don't skip the massage! This step is crucial for tenderizing the kale and removing any bitterness, making the texture much more pleasant.
