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    Home » Dinner

    What to Serve with Kale Salad

    Published: Jun 3, 2022 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    collage of dishes to serve with kale salad

    Wondering what to serve with your kale salad? Check out these delicious soups, sides, and main course dishes that pair perfectly with kale salad. AND pick up a few tips to help you make the best. kale. salad. ever. 

    collage of dishes to serve with kale salad

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    Jump to:
    • What kind of kale is good for salad? 
    • How do you cut kale for a salad? 
    • How do you make kale salad? 
    • More Delicious Recipes
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    Kale is a super versatile leafy green. These hearty greens add texture and flavor to the most delicious kale salad recipes -- and can even stand up to a couple of days in the fridge for an easy lunch the next day. What’s not to love? 

    Well … there may be a few things. Fresh kale can be a bit tough if it’s not treated right. And there’s definitely a right way to cut it to make munching on your delicious salad a bit more … um… let’s just say civilized.  

    So, before we get into my 15 favorite dishes to serve with kale salad, let’s cover a few things you need to know to make a killer kale salad.

    What kind of kale is good for salad? 

    There are many types of kale, but they’re not all created equally. Some are just better for raw kale salad than others. 

    Curly kale is the most common type of kale. It’s your typical grocery store kale — and the one you’ve probably gotten as a garnish on the side of your plate in a restaurant.

    It’s great for making kale chips, but also good for green salads — if you give it a quick massage with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Yes, massaged kale salad is a thing. When you massage kale, you break down the tough leaves to make it tender and chewable. 

    Red kale has red stems and flatter leaves that kind of look like arugula. It has a sweeter flavor than curly kale, so it will work great in all your favorite kale recipes. 

    Lacinato kale, aka Tuscan kale, aka dinosaur kale is dark, dark green with thinner leaves that are more wrinkled than curled. This type of kale is also great in your favorite kale salads, after it’s been massaged with citrus and salt. 

    Baby kale is usually found in pre-packaged boxes and is super tender and great for salads. The leaves are a lot smaller and thinner than other varieties (it’s baby, after all), so no massage necessary. 

    How do you cut kale for a salad? 

    There are two important steps you need to know about cutting up kale for your salad bowl.

    First, there are stems to deal with. They’re tough and you want to remove them before chopping up the leaves. The easiest way to do this is to fold the kale leaf in half, then use a sharp knife to cut off the tough stem. 

    knife slicing the stem off of kale

    Next, since kale can be a bit tougher to chew, do everyone a favor and cut it nice and small. My favorite way to do this is to roll up the leaves and slice them into thin ribbons. For even smaller pieces, rotate the stack of ribbons and slice them into pieces. 

    chopped kale

    How do you make kale salad? 

    My very favorite easy kale salad recipe is this Apple Kale Slaw with a no-mayo salad dressing.

    White bowl with blue polka dots with kale apple slaw and a wooden spoon

    It’s made with simple ingredients and is quite literally the perfect summer slaw. There’s crunchy kale, cabbage, and carrots, fresh apple, chewy cranberries, and salty pepitas in a simple dressing made from Greek yogurt.

    To get the recipe, click this link -->> Apple Kale Slaw

    What to Serve with Kale Salad

    Take a twirl through these delicious recipes that will be happy to keep your kale salad company at dinner tonight -- or your summer picnic or holiday potluck.

    1

    Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

    Photo Credit: littleferrarokitchen.com

    Shish tawook literally translates to “chicken skewers” and is widely known in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Chicken thighs marinate in yogurt, lemon and warm spices before being grilled over charcoal to create the most tender, juicy and flavorful chicken. Perfect served over lavash or salad.

    2

    Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Stuffed Shells (No-Boil)

    Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Stuffed Shells are no-boil, so it’s super easy to load them up with a lightened up cheesy spinach filling and white meat rotisserie chicken, then smother them in marinara and even more cheese. Healthy-ish pasta bake for easy weeknight dinners.

    3

    Marinated Salmon with Garlic and Herbs

    Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com

    This marinated salmon is fresh salmon fillets flavored with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. You’ll want to grill salmon all summer long after you taste this easy marinade!

    4

    Instant Pot Tomato Soup

    Photo Credit: iheartvegetables.com

    This rich and creamy tomato soup is made in the Instant Pot for an easy, delicious meal that only takes a few minutes of prep! It’s filled with vegetables but it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a main dish!

    5

    Parmesan Bacon Crackers

    Photo Credit: bensabaconlovers.com

    These Bacon Parmesan Crackers are the perfect little savory accompaniment to a classic kale salad. The bacon-topped crackers slow cook in the oven until brown and crispy, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds even more savory flavor.

    6

    Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

    Photo Credit: laurenfromscratch.com

    This Cajun crab stuffed salmon is tender and juicy filled with tons of crab meat and a Cajun spice kick. Pair this salmon with some roasted Brussels sprouts and a fresh salad for an impressive restaurant worthy meal for your next dinner party. 

    7

    Beer Can Chicken

    Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com

    Beer Can Chicken is easy to make with a can of your favorite beer (or other carbonated beverage) on the grill or in the oven. A flavorful 3 ingredient dish that takes summer fun to the next level!

    8

    Homemade Croutons

    Photo Credit: apaigeofpositivity.com

    Homemade Croutons are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are deliciously seasoned with warm, savory flavors. Perfect on your favorite kale salad recipes.

    9

    One Pan Macaroni and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

    This simple baked macaroni and cheese recipe with breadcrumbs is creamy and decadent, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, and super easy to make. One pan, no boil, no flour, no roux!

    10

    Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Photo Credit: www.servedfromscratch.com

    Perfect for your summertime grilling are these 10 Minute Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers! This flavorful marinade is made in minutes and the shrimp grill so fast that they make a delicious appetizer or protein addition to any summertime dish!

    11

    Black Bean Veggie Burgers with Chipotle Honey Mustard

    Photo Credit: peasandcrayons.com

    These Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers are bold and full of flavor! Serve them up with a hearty kale salad on the side and get ready to impress vegetarians and meat eaters alike!

    12

    Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage

    Photo Credit: gatheringdreams.com

    This hearty and creamy butternut squash pasta topped with fragrant sage leaves is the perfect comfort dinner recipe to cook this fall.

    13

    Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks

    Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com

    These Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks are perfect for indoor or outdoor grilling. It's an easy recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy!

    14

    5 Minute Artisan Olive Oil Bread

    Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

    Warm artisan bread is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious kale salad.

    15

    Carrot Ginger Soup with Crème Fraiche

    Photo Credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

    This Carrot Ginger Soup is so easy—just simmer carrots, leeks, and ginger in vegetable broth until tender and blend. Top with crème fraiche and pistachios!

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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

    Whether you're looking for a fast and easy dinner recipe, something yummy for a potluck or holiday gathering, or just a little inspiration, I hope you'll find something you love here.

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