Sweet Kale Salad is my go-to when I want something crisp, colorful, and satisfying in minutes. This salad is fresh enough for lunch yet special enough for a dinner side dish. The creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together with a sweet-tangy finish.
Contents
Sweet Kale Salad Recipe
Sweet Kale Salad is a vibrant mix of hearty greens and crunchy add-ins tossed in a creamy, lightly sweet poppyseed dressing. This side dish is all about contrast: sturdy greens, sweet pops from cranberries, and a creamy dressing that coats every bite.
The salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, a side, or a full meal with protein added. I love using a blend of kale, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for layers of texture and flavor.
You can massage the kale with a little lemon or oil to soften the leaves and make the salad even more enjoyable. I often make the dressing ahead and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp. The creamy poppyseed drizzle is the signature that makes this salad sing.
The dish pairs well with bright mains from the grill, like lemon-herb grilled chicken or cedar-plank salmon. Cozy proteins such as roasted pork tenderloin or balsamic-glazed steak are also a great choice.
The salad can be served with casual handhelds like turkey avocado sandwiches or crispy falafel wraps, for a crunchy, creamy counterpoint. Quiche Lorraine, a veggie frittata, or comfort carbs such as garlic butter noodles or quinoa pilaf work well too.
The sweet kale salad goes well with appetizer spreads, including hummus with warm pita or tomato bruschetta. Hearty sides like roasted sweet potatoes or a warm farro bowl are great options to round out cool, crunchy greens with something toasty and satisfying.
Here’s how to make the sweet kale salad with poppy seed dressing
Sweet Kale Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale washed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds optional
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing or your preferred homemade version
Instructions
- Start by washing and chopping the kale into bite-sized pieces. Use the massaging method (gently massage the kale with your hands for a couple of minutes) to make it tender and less bitter.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and almonds. If using red onion, add it in at this point for extra flavor.
- Drizzle your poppyseed dressing over the salad. Start with half of the dressing and toss gently, then add more if you prefer a more flavorful salad.
- Once well mixed, serve immediately. If you're prepping ahead, store the kale and other veggies separately, and add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Notes
- Swap the sunflower seeds and almonds for other nuts or seeds.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving.
- Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
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Variations
From this recipe, you can make other variations of this sweet kale salad. Here are some noticeable versions:
- Bold Crunch Classic includes extra toasted pepitas and thinly sliced almonds for a double dose of crunch and nutty depth.
- Apple Harvest Version adds thin apple matchsticks and a touch more poppyseed dressing for sweet-tart fall flavor.
- Goat Cheese & Herb features creamy goat cheese crumbles, sliced green onion, and chopped parsley to add tang and fresh herbal notes.
- Protein-Packed Power Bowl folds in grilled chicken or baked salmon, tofu, chickpeas, plus quinoa, to transform the salad into a satisfying main.
- Berry Blossom uses fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries in place of cranberries, boosting juiciness and natural sweetness.
- Smoky Maple Poppyseed mixes a pinch of smoked paprika into the dressing and uses maple syrup for a gentle, smoky-sweet profile.
- Super-Greens Upgrade adds baby spinach and shredded cabbage to the kale base. This increases volume and crunch without overpowering the dressing.