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Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

January 13, 2016 by Annie Chesson 63 Comments

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Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - If you think you are a “raw kale hater,” you need to try this salad. It is seriously, seriously delicious! -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

My best friend’s dad is seriously one of the best cooks I have ever met in my life. Megan and I grew up together, and I remember when I would go to her house for dinner, I would always be totally obsessed with anything her dad made. Baaaasically what I’m saying is that he rocks.

Anyway, I went to visit Megan and my other best friend in North Carolina for New Years Eve this year, and I stayed at Megan’s house with her Iron Chef father. He made dinner for his family every night, and I always snuck one (and by one, I mean several) bites of everything he made. IT WAS ALL SO GOOD. The thing that blew my mind the most was a delicious kale salad he made one evening.

It’s raw kale. In a salad. Just raw kale…I never, ever, ever thought that raw kale could taste so delicious. Hidden in a smoothie? Yes. Cooked in a soup? Yes. Raw in a lightly dressed salad?? No! But I was so wrong.

I knew right when I tried it that I needed to recreate his delicious salad for the blog. It fits in perfectly with what I love most – healthy food that tastes wonderful.

Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - If you think you are a “raw kale hater,” you need to try this salad. It is seriously, seriously delicious! -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

The crazy thing about this salad?? It’s so simple! Here’s what is in it:

  • Kale
  • Sliced almonds
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon Vinaigrette (also very simple)

Another thing I love about this recipe is that it can sit in the fridge for several days without becoming wilty and ruined. Salads are never like that…you pretty much eat them fresh or you don’t eat them at all. Especially if they are already dressed. A dressed salad sitting in your fridge = wilty, gross mess.

Since kale is such a hearty green, it can sit in the fridge, dressed, for several days and still be delicious! Case and point: I made this salad on Saturday, and I had it for lunch today. It wasn’t wilted, but it did soak up most of the dressing. The only extra thing you need to do if you let this sit in your fridge for a while is drizzle a little extra dressing on the greens before eating, and even that is totally optional.

So good!!

Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - If you think you are a “raw kale hater,” you need to try this salad. It is seriously, seriously delicious! -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

So, kale is naturally a very tough green. Before the kale obsession swept America several years ago, we mainly saw it as a decoration in salad bars…poor kale. Because it is so tough, if you are using it raw in a salad (like this) I would recommend massaging it first.

Sounds super weird, right? I felt the same way and was slightly convinced that I would look like an idiot for five minutes and the kale would be zero percent different. I placed a few leaves aside and massaged the rest to see if I could really tell the difference. And I will tell you, people, I am a massaged kale convert. Yes, you will feel very strange kneading a pile of greens for several minutes on your cutting board, but do it anyway! Because it makes a huge difference!

The leaves transform from tough to tender as the cellulose structure breaks down. Even the color changes to a deeper, darker green! The leaves also reduce in size a bit. I would knead the kale for about three to five minutes, but a taste test will really be your guide – the kale should no longer be bitter. The massage really makes it quite delicious ?.

Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - If you think you are a “raw kale hater,” you need to try this salad. It is seriously, seriously delicious! -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

Mmm…massaged kale. Massaged kale sprinkled with fresh grated Parmesan and thin, slivered almonds. And the dressing! We can’t forget the dressing…lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, dijon mustard (yaassss), and salt/pepper…such a delicious, simple dressing that is perfect for this salad. Just make it…MAKE IT!

Bonus: this recipe is so good for you; I mean seriously, seriously good for you.Doesn’t it make you happy to eat healthy super foods like this?? It makes me happy. It makes me look like this dude > ?.

Thanks, Mr. Burton, for inspiring this delicious salad!!

Watch how to make this kale salad here:

Print

Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

  • Author: Annie Chesson
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bunches kale, fibrous stems (in the middle of the leaf) removed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • For the dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. For the kale, remove the fibrous stems, leaving you with just the greens. On your cutting board, pile all the leaves on top of each other and massage with your hands for about three to five minutes, until the leaves are no longer bitter. You use a similar motion as you would kneading bread! Move the leaves around every several kneads so you aren’t massaging some more than others. I know it sounds weird, but it really works!!
  2. Slice the massaged kale into bite size pieces
  3. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined
  4. To assemble the salad, place the kale, almonds, and Parmesan into a large bowl. Top with dressing and toss to combine
  5. You may need less dressing (or maybe a little more) depending on the size of your bunches of kale. Just dress to your preference. The dressing is super easy to whip up if you need to make a little extra (for extra large bunches!)

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*This recipe is gluten free*

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Simple Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - If you think you are a “raw kale hater,” you need to try this salad. It is seriously, seriously delicious! -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!

In the mood for more yummy salad recipes? Check these out:

Grilled Romaine Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Caprese Salad Bites with Garlic Balsamic Reduction

Broccoli and Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, All Recipes, Appetizers, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Salad, Sides, Vegetarian Tagged With: 15 minute meals, 30 Minute Meals, almonds, Gluten Free, Healthy, kale, kale salad, parmesan, Salad, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. no name says

    May 19, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    I’ve started making this recipe weekly! I usually have it with grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts, apples and goat cheese for a take on Sweetgreen’s harvest bowl. So good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 24, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      YUM – such hearty and yummy additions! Love it.

      Reply
  2. Lorna Lee says

    January 16, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    Best raw kale recipe EVER! The secret is to massage the kale. Love the lemon dressing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 23, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      So good right?! Yes on massaging that kale – total game changer!

      Reply
  3. Maricela says

    October 2, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Wow, this is amazing! I could have had the whole thing by myself!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      October 6, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      Isn’t it so crazy good?! I love it. So glad you liked it too!!

      Reply
  4. Jennie says

    July 20, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    This salad was so easy and so delicious! My husband and boys ate kale and liked it! Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      October 6, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      What a win that your kids liked it!! That’s awesome. SO glad this recipe was a hit for you guys, Jennie!

      Reply
  5. Dannah says

    September 2, 2019 at 3:48 pm

    Have you ever weighed the amount of kale for this recipe? I’m making this for 40 people and will be buying bagged kale for ease of preparation

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      September 9, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Good question! I haven’t, but in my experience with bagged kale, they end up being about 2 bunches worth of kale per bag (if it’s a big bag like the ones at my grocery store [Aldi]). However, bagged kale can be kind of a pain because they don’t remove the fibrous stems, so you have to pick through and find them and remove them. In my opinion, it takes longer, but your grocery store could do their bagged kale differently!

      Reply
      • Dannah says

        September 10, 2019 at 3:13 pm

        Thanks for the response! We ended up using kale bunches as a friend mentioned the same problem you indicated.

        Reply
  6. NC says

    March 15, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    Delicious Salad!!! Just made it today and I’m sitting here eating it and I can’t stop! At first I was worried the salad dressing was too salty but it’s jist right once you dress the salad and let it sit for 30mins or so. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      March 18, 2019 at 11:17 am

      Yay! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!! This is one of my fave salad recipes :).

      Reply
  7. Denise says

    February 18, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    This has become my favorite kale salad. Made it again this evening with salmon and a baked sweet potato. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      February 28, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      I’m so glad you love it, Denise! It’s one of my faves too – so simple and fresh. I bet it was delicious with the salmon and baked sweet potato!

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    January 3, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Really yummy! Came across on Pinterest!So simple yet so good.

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 5, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      Yay! So glad you liked this salad, Michelle! It’s one of my faves :).

      Reply
  9. Amy says

    December 25, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    I have made this three times this month and everyone devours it and asks for the recipe. I’m getting ready to make it again tonight for Christmas dinner! Thanks for a great salad!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 5, 2019 at 8:22 pm

      Yay! Love that you are loving this salad! It’s an all time favorite of mine :).

      Reply
  10. Sue says

    October 28, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    Delish! Made this exactly as instructed

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      October 29, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you liked this, Sue! It’s one of my all time favorite salads :).

      Reply
  11. Nancy says

    August 9, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    This is delicious!! The only thing I changed was adding about 5 chopped dates (no added sugars) and 1 extra tbs of lemon juice to the dressing. Love this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 10, 2018 at 11:36 am

      I’m so glad you liked it, Nancy! Good idea on the dates – I bet that added sweetness was yummy!

      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    May 24, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    I know that this recipe is a few years old. However, I just wanted to tell you that it is a go to salad at our house. Last summer I whipped this up while on a beach trip with extended family, many of whom had never had kale. They all raved about it! One thing that is great is how easy you can double or triple the batch.

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 26, 2018 at 10:25 am

      Thank you so much for the comment, Ashley! I’m so glad you love this recipe. To this day, it is one of my absolute favorite salads, and even still years later I make it regularly!

      Reply
    • Betty Wershing says

      June 8, 2018 at 10:09 am

      It is excellent with a piece of salmon on top for a whole meal salad.

      Reply
      • Annie Chesson says

        June 11, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        That does sound delicious. And healthy! Yummy idea :).

        Reply
        • Steve Goulding says

          August 11, 2018 at 4:18 pm

          Just had a fabulous meal with this recipe. A few mods: I used my own salted maple mixed nuts instead of almonds. I only kneaded for 30 seconds. I added pan fried cod cheeks and scrunchions. That’s not a typo

          Reply
          • Annie Chesson says

            August 15, 2018 at 10:02 am

            Yum! I had to google scrunchions, and now I’m curious to try them :). I’m glad this recipe worked well for you, Steve!

            Reply
            • Steve says

              August 15, 2018 at 7:13 pm

              Scrunchions are absolutely essential for frying cod, cod tongues and cod cheeks. Not doing so is punishable by public flogging around these parts. Lol

              Reply
              • Annie Chesson says

                August 16, 2018 at 1:11 pm

                Haha! Well then I will make positively sure that I NEVER fry cod without scrunchions!

                Reply
                • Steve Goulding says

                  August 16, 2018 at 2:56 pm

                  Anthony Bourdain was here a year ago and did a show. Scrunchions were discussed. Have a look for it

                  Reply
  13. Rachel says

    May 22, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    This salad was wonderful! I added blueberries!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:28 am

      Yum! So glad you liked it, Rachel!

      Reply
  14. Maya says

    April 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    Just made this salad and it was so good! Iv been looking for light dinner recipes and this was great! Added some radishes for a little extra crunch and it was amazing. Thank you!

    Also – with the calories listed what is considered a serving 1 cup?

    Thanks again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      April 11, 2018 at 10:30 am

      Hey Maya! I’m so glad you liked this salad! It’s one of my favorites, too :). So the nutrition info is for just 1/5 of the salad – the exact measurement amounts will depend on how big your bunches of kale are and how much it wilts when you knead the leaves. But if you can kind of eyeball 1/5 of the salad or even measure it out to see how much it made, you can figure out the serving size more accurately!

      Reply
  15. Nancy Thompson says

    March 28, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    I love this recipe! I make it all the time. Sometimes I sub pepitas for the almonds, or I add dried cherries. Thank-you!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      April 3, 2018 at 11:30 am

      Yummy additions! Thanks, Nancy – it’s one of my favorites!!

      Reply
  16. Karen says

    February 18, 2018 at 8:36 am

    Can’t wait to make the salad this week! Have you tried other cheeses besides Parmesan? Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    Wonderful salad! Enjoyed every bite…. and seconds…. and thirds!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  18. nicole says

    January 15, 2018 at 11:03 pm

    Really nice model for a perfect raw kale salad. I added baby heirloom tomatoes and chopped shallots, and dressed up the dressing with sherry vinegar, shallots, crushed garlic, and chopped parsley. Perfect side salad ( for our shrimp-and-gnocchi dinner (could have easily stood alone as its own meal).

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 16, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Sounds absolutely delicious, Nicole!

      Reply
  19. Michelle Bylaw says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I am making this for a crowd. Is it best to wait to add the dressing just before serving? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      December 12, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      This kale holds up really well under dressing – it won’t wilt soon after adding the dressing like other salads since it’s such a hearty green. That being said, I DO think it tastes best right after being dressed! The kale soaks up some of the dressing over time, so it’s better when it’s super fresh in my opinion. I hope it turns out well for you!! This is a fave salad recipe of mine :).

      Reply
      • Michelle Bylaw says

        December 12, 2017 at 4:45 pm

        Ok, that sounds good! Thank you for letting me know! I look forward to trying it!

        Reply
  20. Laura says

    October 3, 2017 at 11:32 pm

    This was SO good!!! I tried it just the way the recipe says and loved it. Then I added some other chopped raw veggies and it was good that way too. It is very similar to a recipe at a local restaurant except they add thinly sliced brussel sprouts which I am going to try next time I have them in the house. Thank you for the simplicity of this! I love the dressing

    Reply
  21. Catia says

    September 30, 2017 at 9:12 am

    MMM, I love kale!! This all look delish!
    Catia recently posted…How to Crack CATIA V5 (Download & Install Catia V5/V6)My Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  22. Quin says

    November 6, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    This recipe sounds too good to be true! I LOVE kale and everything about this sounds so yummy and like a truly satisfying meal OR side.
    Thanks so much for sharing! Definitely a keeper.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      November 7, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you so much, Quin! It is definitely a favorite recipe of mine :). Kale is just the best!

      Reply
  23. Erica says

    September 23, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    I made this yesterday, and it was amaaaaaazing! I’d never tried raw kale before, but it was delicious. I’m really looking forward to making it again, next time with a mix of green and purple kale. Thanks for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      September 27, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      That’s so awesome, Erica! I’m so glad you loved it. I am pretty obsessed…I eat this like 3 times a week minimum :)!

      Reply
  24. Erin says

    September 5, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    Looks so simple and delicious! I’m trying this tonight. Any time I used slivered almonds in salads (which is a lot), I always toast them dry in a pan first and it brings such a tasty crunchy nutty flavor – I recommend trying it!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      September 6, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks, Erin! You’re right, toasted almonds are delicious! I bet they would be yummy in this.

      Reply
  25. The Mistress of Spices says

    August 16, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Made this last night and really enjoyed it, thank you! I’m new to the world of kale salads (tried one in a restaurant for the first time last month- what rock have I been hiding under?!). I might add dried cranberries or cherries next time for a little pop of sweetness. Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      It’s okay – I hadn’t tried them until relatively recently as well, and nooowww I’m obsessed!! So glad you tried this out and liked it!! I think some dried cranberries or cherries thrown on there would be a yummy addition :).

      Reply
  26. Charlotte Love says

    July 27, 2016 at 11:51 am

    I had your simple kale salad a few days ago, prepared by a friend of my daughter’s…..and it was unbelievably good! I love your blog and will try more of your recipes soon. I plan to make this salad, at our cottage this weekend, when we are enjoying this lovely summer weather. Thanks so much for the time and energy you put into your work! xo

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      July 29, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      I’m so glad that you loved this salad, Charlotte! And that you will be making it yourself soon ?. It really is one of my favorites!

      Reply
  27. Kristen @ The Endless Meal says

    January 24, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    Kale salad is always my favourite. Love the simple lemony dressing you’ve made!
    Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted…How To Watermark a Picture and Why You ShouldMy Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 25, 2016 at 10:32 am

      Thanks, Kristen!

      Reply
  28. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    January 14, 2016 at 11:47 am

    I saw this on IG and was super excited for you to post it! I love stupidly simple salads, but only when they taste amazing! Please thank your friends Dad for me, because I am totally going to be eating this salad daily! LOVE that it will keep in the fridge for days too! YAY to being lazy! Cheers, Annie! <3
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Bacon, Maple & Butternut Squash Scones {with Honey Butter}My Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 14, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      I will thank him for you :). Yes yes yesss on the stupidly simple salads! So good.

      Reply
  29. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    January 14, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Now THIS is my kind of salad. I love using kale as the base of my salads as I think that it holds a dressing much better than other greens does. Plus, it has a nice crunch.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 14, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      Thanks, Dannii! It really does hold the dressing much better!

      Reply

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Annie Chesson
I am a passionate Christian, wife, cooking addict, and mom to the two sweetest boys in the world! Join me in my journey to create delicious, flavorful food. More About Me...

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