This easy kale salad is packed with fresh veggies and a super simple homemade lemon dressing, making it perfect as a healthy side dish.
A quick and easy kale salad recipe is perfect for warm weather but we honestly love it all year long.
Olive oil: Regular or extra-virgin olive oil will work depending on how strong of a flavor you’d like.
Lemon juice: In a pinch lime juice will work too. Be sure to use fresh.
Apple cider vinegar: White wine or red wine vinegar can be used instead.
Maple syrup: Don’t use pancake syrup. Honey is another great option.
Dijon mustard: If you’re out regular yellow mustard will be ok since it’s a small amount.
Salt and pepper: Season dressing with a fair amount.
Kale: I make this with curly kale but Tuscan kale will be tasty too.
Apple: Pears are another great option.
Carrots: No great subs here, just omit if you are out.
Slivered almonds: Substitute with walnuts or pecans.
Sharp white cheddar: Other options are yellow cheddar, gouda, provolone, Colby or Swiss or feta.
Red onion: Green onions will work as well.
Make kale salad dressing: In a mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest in fridge while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
Prepare kale leaves: Remove kale leaves from thick ribs. Rinse and run through a salad spinner to dry well.
Thin slice kale: Working in batches on a cutting board, gather and bunch kale leaves together and thinly slice creating ribbons.
Add salad ingredients to bowl: Transfer kale to a very large bowl along with apples, carrots, almonds, cheddar cheese and red onion.
Toss with dressing: Whisk dressing again then pour over salad. Toss well to evenly coat.
Serve within a few hours for best results.
