Strawberry Kale Salad
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Kale Salad
Description
Strawberry Kale Salad uses kale that is softened by massaging with olive oil, which reduces toughness while keeping a bite. The salad includes sweet strawberries and crunchy toasted walnuts that provide contrasting textures and depth. Red onion adds a mildly sharp element, balanced by tangy feta cheese. The dressing combines olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, which adds brightness and subtle spice.
The flavors range from sweet and tart to nutty and savory, with the kale serving as a hearty leafy base. Toasted walnuts impart slight bitterness to complement the sweet strawberries. The salad is mixed gently to maintain distinct textures.
This salad is ideal as a fresh side dish and can be enhanced with additions like avocado or grilled chicken for more substance. It is best dressed shortly before serving, as indicated to maintain kale’s texture and prevent wilting. Soaking the onions mutes their pungency if a milder flavor is preferred.
Walnuts can be replaced with other nuts or seeds, and the salad can be made vegan by omitting or substituting the feta and honey.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus two teaspoons
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 kale removed from stem & chopped bite sized about 6 cups, bunch
- 2 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup walnuts chopped, toasted
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ red onion sliced (½ cup, small
Instructions
- Toast walnuts over low heat in a non stick pan for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, making sure they don't burn. Allow to cool.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl, or put into a jar with lid and shake.
- In a large bowl combine chopped kale and two teaspoons of olive oil. Use your hands to massage the leaves until they are softened and have turned dark green. (About 2-3 minutes).
- Add strawberries, walnuts, onion, and feta to the kale. Drizzle with the dressing, and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Massage kale with olive oil to soften leaves and reduce toughness before adding other ingredients.
- Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, then drain and dry.
- Toast walnuts slowly over low heat to enhance flavor while avoiding burning.
- Walnuts provide a slight bitterness complementing sweetness; they can be substituted with pecans, pistachios, almonds, or seeds.
- Optional additions include avocado slices, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, or other greens like spinach or arugula.
- For vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and omit or use vegan cheese instead of feta.
- Store salad and dressing separately if making ahead and combine before serving to retain texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 279 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 279kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 514mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 246mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 442IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 134mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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