Description
This easy strawberry kale salad recipe combines massaged kale, fresh strawberries, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and granola croutons with a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for summer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale, stems removed, torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for massaging
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, for massaging
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup granola croutons or plain granola
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place torn kale in a large bowl. Add olive oil and sea salt. Massage firmly with both hands for 2 to 3 minutes until leaves darken, soften, and reduce in volume.
- In a small jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic. Shake or whisk until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden. Remove and let cool.
- Add sliced strawberries and red onion to the massaged kale. Drizzle with two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Scatter feta and toasted walnuts on top. Add granola croutons last. Drizzle remaining dressing if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
Massage the kale for at least 2 full minutes — this step is essential for texture.
Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.
Add granola croutons at the very last moment to keep them crispy.
For a vegan version, skip the feta or use a dairy-free cashew cheese.
Store undressed kale base in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Dress just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salads, Recipes
- Method: No-Cook, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 17mg