10 Summer Kale Salad Recipes That Actually Taste Good

Written by Ann J. West in Other's

Summer is the season for light and lively meals, and there’s nothing quite like a kale salad to keep things deliciously satisfying. With a multitude of flavors and textures, these ten kale salads are perfect for gathering friends around the table or enjoying a solo lunch. Get ready to impress with these tasty recipes!

Lemon-Garlic Kale Salad

A bright and garlicky delight.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. In a large bowl, massage kale with a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss the kale with the dressing and serve immediately.

Make it Unique:
Add avocado for creaminess or sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.

Mediterranean Kale Toss

A taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Process:

  1. Place chopped kale in a bowl; massage lightly with olive oil.
  2. Add tomatoes, feta, olives, and vinegar; mix gently.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make it Unique:
Swap feta for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for extra protein.

Tropical Kale Salad

A sweet escape to the tropics.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup honey-lime dressing

Process:

  1. In a large bowl, combine kale, pineapple, and bell pepper.
  2. Drizzle with honey-lime dressing and toss well.
  3. Top with coconut flakes before serving.

Make it Unique:
Incorporate mango for an extra fruity touch or add grilled shrimp for heartiness.

Spicy Asian Kale Salad

A fiery twist on a classic salad.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha

Process:

  1. In a bowl, combine kale, carrot, scallions, and sesame seeds.
  2. Whisk together soy sauce and sriracha; drizzle over salad.
  3. Toss everything together and serve.

Make it Unique:
Add crunchy peanuts for texture or substitute tofu for a protein boost.

Crunchy Apple Kale Salad

Sweet, crunchy, and completely satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinaigrette

Process:

  1. Combine kale, apple, walnuts, and cheddar in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss until everything is coated.
  3. Serve alongside your favorite protein.

Make it Unique:
Swap walnuts with pecans or add dried cranberries for sweetness.

Creamy Avocado Kale Salad

Creamy and dreamy with every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Process:

  1. In a large bowl, combine kale, avocado, and tomatoes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix tahini and lemon juice; drizzle on salad.
  3. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.

Make it Unique:
Add grilled chicken for protein or swap tahini with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Quinoa & Kale Salad

A nutrient-packed meal in a bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Process:

  1. Combine quinoa, kale, bell pepper, and almonds in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil; toss until mixed thoroughly.
  3. Serve warm or chilled.

Make it Unique:
Add chickpeas for extra protein or substitute almonds with walnuts.

BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad

Savory and satisfying with a hint of smokiness.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup tortilla strips

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast chickpeas with BBQ sauce for 20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix kale, tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas.
  3. Top with tortilla strips and serve.

Make it Unique:
Add avocado for creaminess or use ranch dressing instead of BBQ sauce.

Caprese Kale Salad

Classic flavors with a healthy twist.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze

Process:

  1. In a large bowl, combine kale, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and mix until coated.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make it Unique:
Add grilled chicken or swap mozzarella for feta.

Smoky Roasted Veggie Kale Salad

A warm, comforting blend of smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup assorted roasted veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Process:

  1. Roast vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
  2. In a bowl, mix kale with roasted veggies and pumpkin seeds.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil; toss before serving.

Make it Unique:
Add quinoa for heartiness or add a sprinkle of feta for creaminess.

Rainbow Kale Salad

An explosion of colors and flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup radishes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing

Process:

  1. Combine kale, cucumber, radishes, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing; toss well to combine.
  3. Serve chilled as a vibrant side or main dish.

Make it Unique:
Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor or swap honey mustard with vinaigrette.

Citrus-Dressed Kale Salad

Zesty and bright, a salad for citrus lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 orange, segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
  • 1/4 cup citrus vinaigrette

Process:

  1. In a bowl, mix kale with orange and grapefruit segments.
  2. Add sliced almonds and drizzle with citrus vinaigrette; toss gently.
  3. Serve immediately to enjoy the zesty flavors.

Make it Unique:
Incorporate avocado or replace almonds with pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Grilled Corn & Kale Salad

A summery delight that brings BBQ flavors to the table.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup grilled corn (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup creamy dressing

Process:

  1. Mix kale with grilled corn and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with creamy dressing; toss lightly to combine.
  3. Enjoy this salad warm or at room temperature.

Make it Unique:
Add black beans for protein or sprinkle with cotija cheese.

Roasted Beet & Kale Salad

Earthy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup roasted beets, diced
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Process:

  1. In a bowl, combine kale, roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette; toss until everything is mixed.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful experience.

Make it Unique:
Opt for feta instead of goat cheese or add oranges for a citrus twist.

Strawberry Spinach & Kale Salad

A sweet and satisfying combination.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup poppy seed dressing

Process:

  1. Combine kale, spinach, and strawberries in a bowl.
  2. Add walnuts and drizzle with dressing; toss gently.
  3. Serve fresh for a sweet summer treat.

Make it Unique:
Include sliced kiwi for a tropical twist or substitute walnuts with pecans.

Fennel & Kale Salad

An herb-infused crunch to calm your palate.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 cup fennel, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette

Process:

  1. Combine kale and fennel in a mixing bowl; add parsley.
  2. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss until coated.
  3. Serve as a crisp side dish.

Make it Unique:
Add sliced radishes for extra crunch or goat cheese for creaminess.

Conclusion
There you have it—ten vibrant kale salad recipes that are perfect for summer! With a mix of flavors, textures, and colors, you’ll find something here that excites your palate. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make your next meal a delightful and nutritious experience! Enjoy experimenting with these tasty salads!

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