• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bites with Bri
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Monthly Recaps
  • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Healthy Dinner Recipes
  • Easy Air Fryer Recipes
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Mexican Inspired Recipes
  • About Bri
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Bites with Bri » Side Dish » Kale Crunch Salad Recipe

    Kale Crunch Salad Recipe

    Published: May 25, 2021 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Reddit
    jump to recipe print recipe

    This Kale Crunch Salad is the simplest summer side dish. Loads of curly kale, crunchy green cabbage, and roasted salted almonds tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. So fresh, full of texture, and easy to make. Perfect for all of the hot days ahead.

    overhead shot of finished salad

    If you are looking for a heartier salad, try with Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula or Simple Caesar Salad without Egg.

    Jump to:
    • Highlights
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Kale Crunch Salad

    Highlights

    • Full of cold crunchy greens
    • Tangy apple cider vinaigrette 
    • Loaded with roasted & salted almonds
    • Simple ingredients & easy to make
    • Perfect summer side dish

    Ingredients

    overhead shot of ingredients
    • Curly Kale: Curly kale works best. Dinosaur kale will not have the same texture.

    Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

    Instructions

    before you start

    • Wash, dry, and prepare kale and cabbage. I like to pat dry my greens with a paper towel to remove excess water. This ensures your salad is not soggy. This salad is best when the kale is cut into smaller pieces so it is more tender.

    Step 1: In a small jar or air tight container, add all of the ingredients for the dressing. Shake until well combined.

    Step 2: Toss kale, cabbage, almonds, and dressing in a large bowl.

    steps 1 & 2
dressing in container shaken
tossed salad in large bowl

    TIP - Use the tongs to massage the kale with the dressing. Toss longer than usual for more tender kale.

    Expert Tips

    • Tear/chop your kale into small bite size pieces. This makes it much more palatable and tender. 
    • Start with less dressing. When it comes to dressing a salad, I find it always needs less dressing than you think. Start with a drizzle and toss. Add more as needed. 
    • Taste and season. The salt and pepper in the dressing are a base. If you are like me, you might want a little extra. I recommend tossing your salad and tasting it to see if it needs more seasoning. 
    • Toss right before serving. Tossing the salad for a meal should always be last. This ensures your salad is extra crisp.
    • Add protein. My Greek Yogurt Chicken is delicious served on top of this kale salad.
    closeup shot of kale

    FAQs

    How do you store leftover kale salad?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just know the salad will be soggy within a few hours. Leftover dressing can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can you make this ahead of time?

    Yes. Prep the veggies and dressing the day before and store in the fridge. Toss the salad immediately before serving.

    What is in the kale salad at Chick Fil A?

    It has kale, green cabbage, roasted almonds, and an apple cider vinaigrette.

    Can you use store-bought dressing?

    Yes, of course! This is always a good shortcut. I recommend a greek or italian vinaigrette.

    What do you serve with kale salad?

    This is the perfect simple salad to serve with just about any protein (chicken, steak, seafood, etc.). I always whip this salad up to go with pasta or homemade pizza.

    How can you make this kale salad a complete meal?

    Add protein in the form of beans, meat, seafood, or chicken. Another way to beef up this salad is by adding some cheese. Try parmesan, feta, or goat. Lastly, I recommend adding some carbs. Think bread, croutons, or rice on top.

    Related Recipes

    • Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
    • Roasted Mashed Cauliflower
    • Easy Caesar Salad Recipe (No Anchovies or Egg)
    • Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE COMMENT
    5 from 17 votes

    Kale Crunch Salad

    This Kale Crunch Salad is the simplest summer side dish. Loads of curly kale, crunchy green cabbage, and roasted salted almonds tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. So fresh, full of texture, and easy to make. Perfect for all of the hot days ahead.
    Servings6 people
    Prep5 minutes
    Total5 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Brianna May

    Ingredients:

    • 3-4 ounces curly kale, chopped*
    • 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
    • ⅓ cup chopped salted & roasted almonds

    Dressing

    • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon honey
    • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 clove garlic, grated
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions:

    • Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
    • In a small jar or air tight container, add all of the ingredients for the dressing. Shake until well combined.
    • Toss kale, cabbage, almonds, and dressing in a large bowl.

    Notes:

    Curly Kale: Curly kale works best. Dinosaur kale will not have the same texture.
    Tear/chop your kale into small bite size pieces. This makes it much more palatable and tender.
    Start with less dressing. When it comes to dressing a salad, I find it always needs less dressing than you think. Start with a drizzle and toss. Add more as needed.
    Taste and season. The salt and pepper in the dressing are a base. If you are like me, you might want a little extra. I recommend tossing your salad and tasting it to see if it needs more seasoning.
    Toss right before serving. Tossing the salad for a meal should always be last. This ensures your salad is extra crisp.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
    « Easy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers (Air Fryer)
    Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza (Naan) »
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Reddit

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      July 09, 2021 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      Delish!! I could eat that today and tomorrow and the next day. lol.

      Reply
    2. Erin

      July 09, 2021 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      The dressing has the perfect tanginess to complement the salad!

      Reply
    3. Jeannie

      July 09, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      didnt know the two kinds of Kale thanks for adding that. Kale is a powerful green veggie

      Reply
    4. Raquel

      July 09, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      Love the crunch in this salad!

      Reply
    5. Faith Still

      June 06, 2021 at 7:48 am

      5 stars
      This looks amazing and I have not been a kale fan, but I might have to try this. Love the dressing ingredients!

      Reply
      • Brianna May

        June 06, 2021 at 1:11 pm

        Thanks! Hope you enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jessica Formicola

      May 28, 2021 at 5:11 am

      5 stars
      I love kale salads, and this one looks amazing! Those roasted almonds add just the right amount of crunch!

      Reply
      • Brianna May

        May 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    7. Lilly

      May 27, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is so simple, yet so vibrant! Thank you for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Brianna May

        May 29, 2021 at 1:04 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    8. Jere Cassidy

      May 26, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      I've been late jumping on the kale bandwagon but now I am loving it. Glad to have your simple salad recipe and the vinegarette sound delicious.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Bri!

    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

    Join my email list!>>

    Healthy Dinner Recipes

    • Dutch Oven Shepherd’s Pie
    • Beef Kabobs in the Oven
    • Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
    • Red Wine Short Ribs
    • One Pot Chicken and Rice
    • French Onion Chicken Bake

    Top Recipes

    • Lobster Ravioli Sauce
    • Baked Walking Taco Casserole Recipe with Enchilada Sauce
    • Green Chili Beef Enchiladas with White Sauce
    • Easy Rustic Bread Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients & No-Knead!)
    • Dutch Oven Pork Chops
    • Jalapeño Lime Crema

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign up for my weekly newsletter!

    Contact

    • Monthly Recaps
    • Work with Me
    • Client Inquiry Form

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Bites with Bri LLC