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
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden. Remove and let cool.
4. Add sliced strawberries and red onion to the massaged kale. Drizzle with two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. 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