A powerhouse salad vibrant in color and flavor, this is The Best Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing and it is just as healthy as it is delicious. Loaded with pistachios, dried cranberries, chopped apples and parmesan cheese for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savory.

A wood bowl filled with green kale, pistachios, white pieces of cheese and small square apple slices.

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Stepping into fall flavors and fall weather, this Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is going to carry you through the season and I am telling you, it tastes even better then it looks. This Kale Salad is more than just a healthy dish, it is delicious and a nutrient packed meal that will make you crave every crunchy bite. A perfect combination of crisp apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy pistachios and savory parmesan cheese, this salad strikes as the perfect balance between sweet, tangy and savory.

Salads are a go to around here and if you love our favorite Melon Prosciutto and Burrata Salad with Homemade Pesto, you are going to love this amazing Kale Salad. Pair it with your favorite protein or serve for Friday pizza night, I promise this is going to be staple recipe in your home.

Why Kale?

Kale is a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with vitamin A, K and C, as well as calcium, fiber and loaded with antioxidants. Kale can be known to be tough or bitter, but once you make this salad you are going to be convinced otherwise. Make sure to thoroughly wash the leaves and you can let them soak in water for a few minutes. Massaging the leaves with a little olive oil and salt can also help to make kale more tender.

Ingredient Notes

Kale: You can use anytime of Kale you like, but I prefer Lacinato Kale (also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan Kale). Lacinato Kale is a flatter leaf and much more mild in flavor.

Lemon Vinaigrette: There is nothing better than homemade Lemon Vinaigrette. Made with extra virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, dijon mustard and honey.

Apples: I love the addition of crisp apples in this salad. A green or red apple will be the perfect addition, but I love honey crisp apples in my salad.

Dried Cranberries: Adding the perfect amount of sweet, dried cranberries is a great addition, but can be left out if you prefer.

Pistachios: Adding a salty crunch to this salad, pistachios are a must. If you don't love pistachios you can always replace with almond.

Parmesan Cheese: Adding a savory and richness that ties the whole salad together. If you need the salad to be dairy free, this cheese can be left out or replaced with a dairy free option.

Step-by Step Instructions

A white bowl with chopped green leafy kale.

Prepare the Kale
Start by washing the kale thoroughly. Remove the stem and chop the leaves into bite size pieces.

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, champagne vinegar, dijon mustard, honey and salt and pepper. Place the lid on the jar and shake until all the ingredients are fully combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Kale Salad
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the kale and toss until fully coated. Add the apples, cranberries, pistachios and parmesan cheese to the kale and gently toss to combine.

Serve
Serve the salad immediately or store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is even better the next day!

Tips and Customizations

Add Protein
To make this salad a complete meal, add your favorite protein (chicken, steak, salmon or shrimp)

Make Ahead
Most salads you cannot make in advance, but this Kale Salad is even more delicious after sitting for a few hours so the kale can absorb the dressing and flavors.

Ingredient Alternatives
This salad can be customized to your liking. If you prefer almonds over pistachios, make that switch. Blue cheese over parmesan cheese sounds like a great option. Kale is a perfect back drop for a salad and you can add or subtract to your liking.

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