Kale salad
Say hello to the fresh flavours of our kale salad recipe, perfect as a take-along lunch or a quick dinner. Tender kale gets a good toss with lemon, olive oil, and chilli flakes, then teams up with strawberries, roasted nuts, mint, and herby white cheese. We like to enjoy it with cottage cheese on the side as a fresh, creamy complement to the salad.
Ingredients
|
Fresh kale
|
200 g |
|---|---|
|
Olive oil
|
2 tbsp |
|
Lemon juice
|
½ |
|
Sea Salt Flakes
|
1 tsp |
|
Chilli flakes
|
½ tsp |
| 150 g | |
|
Strawberries
|
250 g |
|
Mixed nuts, roasted
|
100 ml |
|
Fresh mint
|
30 g |
|
Cottage cheese
|
150 g |
Use fresh kale and strawberries
When picking kale, go for firm, crisp leaves with a deep green colour. Avoid any that look wilted, yellow, or have dry edges. For strawberries, select bright red ones with fresh green tops. They should feel firm, not mushy, and have a sweet scent.
Massage the kale
Rubbing the kale with olive oil and lemon juice makes the leaves softer and easier to chew. It also tones down the bitterness and helps the flavours soak in. Work it with your hands for about a minute until the leaves turn darker and feel tender.
FAQ: Questions about kale salad
If you are wondering how to prep, store, or serve the kale salad, we have the answers to those questions below. Read on to find out more!
Can I prepare kale salad in advance?
Yes, you can make kale salad ahead of time. You can assemble it fully and store it for up to a day in the fridge. If possible, we suggest keeping the ingredients separate for the best texture. The kale can be massaged with olive oil and lemon juice in advance, while other ingredients such as strawberries, nuts, and cheese are best added just before serving so they stay fresh and flavourful.
How should I store leftover kale salad?
Store leftover kale salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, to maintain its texture, it is best enjoyed fresh. If possible, store the kale separately from the other ingredients to prevent them from getting too soft
What to serve with a kale salad?
Kale salad is great on its own, but it does not mind a slice of sourdough, rye, or seeded bread on the side. You can even serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or pan-fried fish with a side of potatoes, couscous, bulgur, or rice.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
534 Kcal
| Fibre | 17.4 gram fibers |
| Protein | 27.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 36.3 gram |
| Fat | 31 gram |
Fresh kale salad with strawberries and white cheese
This kale salad captivates with sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy flavours. Ripe strawberries give the salad a juicy sweetness and a pop of lustrous ruby-red colour, while the spiced white cheese with herbs offers a salty, creamy taste. It only takes 20 minutes of your time before you have lunch or dinner ready to enjoy.
More fresh ideas are waiting, and they are just as tasty as this kale salad. Try our chicken pasta salad with roasted aubergine and peppery rocket, the green goddess salad with its creamy dressing, or our watermelon salad, where sweet melon meets salty white cheese.
Spice things up with chilli flakes and lemon juice
The kale gets a good massage with lemon juice, olive oil, and chilli flakes, turning the leaves tender while still keeping a bit of bite. As the leaves absorb the lemon juice and oil, the chilli flakes cling to the surface, infusing the salad with warmth. The kale's bitterness mellows out, while the chilli offers a gentle heat that gradually builds as you eat. Finally, the lemon juice provides citrusy tartness that keeps it from feeling too intense.
Toasted nuts and mint leaves for a final flourish
The final flourish comes with nuts that deepen their nutty flavour once toasted and develop a slightly buttery note with a pleasant crunch. The addition of fresh mint introduces a subtle sweetness and cooling sensation. Mint pairs especially well with the strawberries, as it highlights the sweetness from the berries and adds a refreshing contrast.
Serve the salad with cottage cheese
Served on the side, cottage cheese has a smooth, milky taste that complements the kale. Those little pockets of creaminess contribute a soft texture against the crisp greens and juicy strawberries. Keep it on the side for dipping, or mix it straight in and let it swirl through the salad for an extra creamy finish.
Experiment with different ingredients
This recipe for kale salad is open to twists, swaps, and whatever flavours you are in the mood for. If you want to include more fruits alongside strawberries, try oranges for their sweet-sour flavour that works well with the lemon juice, or pomegranate seeds for a tart, juicy pop.
Feel free to swap the white cheese for something different, like goat’s cheese, which has a creamy, slightly tangy taste, or blue cheese for its punchy, almost spicy touch. If you prefer something nutty and mildly sweet, grated Gruyère is a fantastic option. For an even creamier finish, replace cottage cheese with burrata, which has a delicate, almost runny centre.
