What To Serve With Kale Salad

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Kale salad is hearty, healthy, and surprisingly versatile—but the right main dish can really make it shine. While kale brings its own vibrant personality to the table, finding the right companions can turn a basic salad into so much more. From juicy chicken and tender pork to comforting pasta and crowd-pleasing pizza, you’ll find plenty of delicious inspiration below.

 

You may have walked past kale at the grocery store without giving it a second glance, but after reading this I hope you stop and pick some up for dinner tonight! Make sure you put your fresh kale in a large bowl and give it a quick massage with a pinch of salt or an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar to tenderize and enhance the flavor of your raw kale salad. This leafy green is known to be a bit tough and bitter and this important step transforms its texture and flavor, making it more enjoyable to eat raw or in a delicious salad.

Types of Kale

• Curly Kale: This is probably the most common variety, known for its dark green, curly leaves and slightly bitter taste. It’s versatile and holds up well in salads or when sautéed.
• Lacinato Kale (also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale): This type has dark blue-green, bumpy leaves that are flatter compared to curly kale. It has a slightly sweeter taste and is great in soups, stews, or when used in kale chips.
• Red Russian Kale: Identified by its purple stems and frilly, flat leaves that have a purplish tint, this variety has a milder flavor compared to curly kale and is excellent in salads or lightly cooked.
• Siberian Kale: This variety has large, flat, and tender leaves that are slightly sweeter than curly kale. It’s often used in salads or as a cooked green.

There are a bunch of different ways to serve kale, and these are my favorite kale salads! You can make them ahead, or if you have leftover kale salad you can keep in an airtight container and top with salad dressing before serving, perfect for some greens to add to your weeknight dinner. You could also make a simple vinaigrette with drizzle of olive oil, vinegar and the seasonings of your choice and top with some feta cheese or goat cheese to make your perfect salad!

• Kale Salad: Carrots, Red Cabbage, Garbanzo Beans, Mushrooms, Curly Parsley and Walnuts with a  White Balsamic Maple Dressing.
• Kale Avocado Salad: Corn, Garbanzo Beans, Avocado, Red Onion and Crushed Tortilla Chips with a Balsamic Vinegar Dressing.
• Kale Pomegranate Salad: Toasted Almonds, Pomegranate Arils, Mushrooms and Smoked Bacon with a Warm Maple Bacon Dressing.
• Winter Wheat Berry Power Salad: Butternut Squash, Wheat Berries, Feta Cheese, Pistachios and a Tarragon Maple Salad Dressing.

One of the best things about kale salad is how well it works for so many different occasions. Because kale is sturdy and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with everything from light seafood to rich, hearty meats. For easy weeknight dinners, simple options like roasted chicken, baked salmon, or pasta dishes balance the freshness of a kale salad without extra fuss. Hosting guests or planning a holiday meal? Prime rib, smoked pork butt, or lasagna make kale salad feel like a thoughtful, lighter side dish that complements heavier mains. Kale salad is also ideal for potlucks and BBQs since it holds up well without wilting, making it a great match for grilled chicken, pizza, or slow cooker pork recipes. No matter the occasion, kale salad helps round out the meal with color, texture, and freshness.

What To Serve With Kale Salad (30+ tasty dishes!)

Think of kale salad as your culinary canvas, ready for your personal flavor masterpiece. So, go ahead, experiment, and find your favorite way to incorporate kale salad in you meal! Transform your kale salad into a delightful, nutritious adventure that keeps your taste buds excited and your mealtime vibrant.

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.