# Kale Salad: A Fresh and Vibrant Treat
This **Kale Salad** is not just attractive but also filled with fresh vegetables and a satisfying crunch. Drizzled with a **simple homemade lemon dressing**, it pairs wonderfully with baked chicken breasts or garlic grilled shrimp, making it a fantastic option for any meal.
## Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Kale Salad
– **Flavor**: The zesty lemon dressing perfectly balances the robust kale, enhanced by crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, and savory cheese.
– **Why Make It**: Any leftover kale salad can be stored in the refrigerator without getting soggy, making it perfect for meal prep.
– **Technique**: For the best texture, massage the kale with oil and salt to make it tender rather than tough.
– **Total Time**: 20 minutes | **Servings**: 4
## Ingredient Notes for Kale Salad
– **Kale**: Chop or tear into manageable pieces, discarding tough stems. Massage with olive oil and salt until the leaves darken and soften.
– **Broccoli**: Cut into small pieces or use pre-packaged broccoli slaw for convenience.
– **Carrots**: Grated carrots add sweetness and crunch; pre-packaged options can facilitate prep.
– **Cranberries**: Dried cranberries offer a chewy sweetness. Other options include raisins, dried cherries, or diced dried apricots.
– **Almonds**: Sliced almonds provide crunch; you can substitute with pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
– **Onions**: A small amount of red onion adds a punch and color. Soaking in cold water can mellow its sharpness.
– **Cheese**: Cheddar cheese is included, but feta, parmesan, or goat cheese can also be excellent choices.
– **Dressing**: Mix fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and olive oil for a tart dressing. Alternatives include maple syrup instead of honey or avocado oil instead of olive oil.
## Favorite Variations
– **Make it a Meal**: Garnish the salad with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or baked salmon for a more substantial dish.
– **Skip the Meat**: Incorporate grains like quinoa or chickpeas to create a complete meal.
## How to Create Kale Salad with Cranberries
1. Rinse and massage the kale.
2. Prepare the other ingredients and add them to a large bowl.
3. Mix the dressing ingredients in a jar, shake well, and combine with the salad.
### Tips for Preparing Kale
– **Washing**: Rinse kale leaves in cold water, remove tough stems, and ensure they are thoroughly dried.
– **Massaging**: Tear or chop kale into manageable pieces, sprinkle with salt, and massage with olive oil until softened.
## Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover kale salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the salad maintains its quality, some toppings are best added fresh.
### More Kale Recipes
Leftover kale can feature in many dishes, including pasta, pesto, or crispy kale chips. It can also make a delightful topping for pizza.
Did you try this simple Kale Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below!