Skip to main content

Kale Salad

A simple sweet and savory salad that is a great make-ahead meal.
Wooden bowl holding a large Kale Salad.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

8 cups chopped kale (about 1 large bunch)
1 can (15 ounces) fruit in 100% juice, drained and juice reserved (any type)
½ cup 100% fruit juice, reserved from canned fruit
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
¼ cup unsalted sunflower seed kernels (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. Place kale in a large bowl. Chop fruit if pieces are large and add to the kale.
  4. In a small bowl, combine fruit juice, oil, salt, pepper and sunflower seed kernels, if desired. Mix well.
  5. Add dressing to the kale and fruit and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • To soften the kale and improve the flavor, rub the torn leaves together until the kale becomes dark green and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, OR prepare the salad a day ahead and refrigerate.

Comments

Great way to use kale fresh from the garden and love the note about softening it!  Today I was able to taste this salad along with tons of elementary students at a school lunch tasting table.  Yummy and it looked great too!

The mandarin oranges I had in my pantry were packed in light syrup. I drained the oranges and discarded the syrup. To make the dressing, I used 100% OJ from concentrate instead.  The grocery store where I usually shop does not carry a full line of canned fruit in 100% juice, so using the breakfast juice is a good option.  I also felt the dressing needed a little tartness, so I added a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

I love making kale salads. This is a great base recipe. I would also suggest a variety of vegetables that go great with this salad like roasted butternut squash, or sweet potatoes, avocado, dried fruit, and other types of seeds and nuts. The honey mustard dressing is great on kale salad too. The sweetness of the honey helps "mask" the bitterness of the kale leaves. I also love this recipe because you can make ahead and serve all week for dinner or lunches. The leaves don't get wilted even when you add the dressing. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo of Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Veggie and Egg Rice
Bowl of rice, egg and vegetable mix.

Veggie and Egg Rice

Enjoy this filling, fresh and healthy recipe that is ready in 30 minutes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Turnip Pancakes
Plate of crispy vegetable pancakes with dipping sauce.

Turnip Pancakes

Root vegetables are grated, battered cooked in a skillet until golden and crispy.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 pancakes
Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
Bowl of seasoned butternut squash topped with shredded cheese.

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

This simple and tasty recipe using butternut squash will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy as a side or a filling for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt
Footed dessert glasses with a creamy pink blend.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt

A kid-approved, 3-ingredient treat that only takes a few minutes to make!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ Cups
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Bowl of turkey and bean soup.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili with lean ground turkey, filling beans and the right amount of spice!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
90 minutes
Makes:
10 cups