Description
This easy kale salad delivers fresh flavor and vibrant color with hearty kale, toasted pistachios, sweet golden raisins, and rich parmesan, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Simple yet satisfying, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner parties, or meal prep. The massaged kale base ensures great texture while the dressing provides a bright, tangy finish for a dish that balances taste, nutrition, and convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale, thinly sliced (5–6 cups)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add sliced kale to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Massage the kale for 1 minute until softened.
- Add pistachios, golden raisins, shredded parmesan cheese, and lemon zest to the bowl.
- In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
To substitute, use baby spinach or mixed greens in place of kale, walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios, and dried cranberries for raisins. Make ahead by preparing kale and dressing separately; combine before serving. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days. If salad tastes too bitter, massage kale longer or add extra maple syrup for balance. Avoid overdressing to keep textures crisp. For nut-free version, omit pistachios.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg