We love kale salads and for many good reasons! Often called the “queen of greens,” kale is one of the most popular veggies out there, thanks to its high nutritional content. They’re easy to incorporate into salads, whether you’re prepping it as a filling main course or a light side dish.

Health Benefits of Kale

Here are some more reasons why you should be adding this leafy green to your meals:

• Kale has high iron content, which your body needs for proper growth and development. Amp up the iron content in your kale by pairing it with foods packed with vitamin C- this helps your body to become more capable of absorbing plant-based iron.

• This leafy green also has high fiber, water, and prebiotic content, all of which help promote a healthy digestive tract.

• Kale is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene that help protect against free radicals, cell damage, and various cancers. Antioxidants are sensitive to heat so it’s best to use kale in salads or smoothies to effectively preserve their antioxidant functions.

• Looking to fight inflammation in the body? A cup of kale is filled with omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain the body's inflammatory response.

• Kale supports cardiovascular health with its heart-healthy flavonoids, plus it’s very low in calories.

• With a higher calcium content than milk, kale helps build and maintain strong bones as well as supports muscle and nerve function.

• Packed with fiber and sulfur, kale supports your body’s detox process and keeps your liver healthy.

5 Delicious Kale Salad Recipes

Ready to give kale a try in your next meal? Kale has a pungent, peppery taste and works perfectly in these delightful salad recipes:

Easy Kale Salad with Fresh Lemon Dressing

Perfect for a light lunch or a nutrient-dense side dish, this easy kale salad combines fresh veggies and a homemade lemon dressing you can prepare the night before. Keep your kale silky by massaging with a bit of olive oil and salt. Best combined in a large salad bowl, toss the chopped kale, broccoli, almonds, carrots, onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheese with a tangy lemon dressing that brightens up the entire meal. We recommend our maple wooden bowl for that extra warmth and richness to go perfectly with this light, lemony kale salad.

Chopped Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini-Maple Dressing

A simple yet filling kale salad drizzled with creamy tahini dressing, you’ll find this crunchy medley to be your next over-the-top delicious dinner. Thinly sliced crisp Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, toasted almonds, and Parmesan shavings are topped with a sweet-savory dressing made from tahini, vinegar, miso, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. Feeling a bit extra? Add crispy bacon and fried shallots to really set off the kale salad’s savory flavor.

Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons

It’s a hearty and healthy meal with kale, chopped strawberries, and crunchy radishes, plus crumbled goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. Use savory and nutty granola “crouton” clusters for your toppings. Granola is a great idea to add freshly toasted nut mixes to your meal. Combine and toss your ingredients well in our classic warm-toned cherry wooden bowl to bring out the vibrant colors of your decadent salad, making it a dish that’s hard to resist.

Kale and Cabbage Slaw With Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

If you’re thinking of switching up your usual slaws, this uniquely appetizing salad recipe brings kale greens to your usual mix of shredded cabbage. This healthy slaw recipe pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and grilled foods- the perfect addition to your barbecue dinners! Easy to make with a light dressing that combines some olive oil, grainy Dijon mustard, garlic, and white wine vinegar, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds for that extra punch of protein. In a large bowl, toss your chopped kale and cabbage with this delicious dressing for that ultimate creamy slaw.

Kale and Fig Salad

This lovely blend of kale leaves, fresh figs, mixed greens, creamy avocados, sweet carrots, and crunchy zucchinis is topped with nutritious flaxseeds and tangy lemon juice for that supremely satisfying salad. Guaranteed to please any crowd, this superb tossed green salad is the perfect dish to serve on our black walnut wooden bowl for that stunning addition to your dinner parties and outdoor picnics- finally, something to remind you of spring and summertime goodness!