By Laurel Perry
Published Sep 17, 2025
Kale salad is such a simple, hearty lunch that I can easily customize with whatever I have. This version is fresh, flavorful, and so satisfying with the mix of lemony dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and nutty Parmesan. If you’ve never loved kale before, I have an important tip that might just change your mind.
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When I need something quick, hearty, and packed with texture, I throw together this kale salad. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches, and I love how the homemade breadcrumb topping adds a little something special without much effort. The technique of massaging the kale is key to a good salad. It softens the leaves, cuts the bitterness, and helps them soak up the dressing. If you’ve never tried this before, I promise it makes all the difference. I made this recipe to be buildable, so you can add all your favorite salad toppings. I love adding bacon bits, grilled peaches, or some grilled chicken.
Tips for Beginners
- Massage the kale. Massage the kale for 1–2 minutes with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. The leaves should darken, shrink in volume, and feel soft and silky. That’s when you know it’s ready.
- Balance the dressing. If the lemon or mustard feels overpowering, balance it out with a touch more maple syrup or a small pinch of sugar. I like to taste as I go and adjust accordingly.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 bunches Lacinato kale washed, destemmed and chopped
- ▢ ½ tsp salt plus more to taste
- ▢ ¼ tsp pepper plus more to taste
- ▢ 5 tbsp olive oil divided
- ▢ 1 cup cubed crusty bread such as sourdough
- ▢ ¼ cup lemon juice
- ▢ 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ▢ 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- ▢ 1 garlic clove grated
- ▢ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds
Video
Instructions
- Add the kale to a large bowl. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Begin to massage and squish the kale in your hands until it has softened and become glossy. Set aside. 2 bunches Lacinato kale, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- Place your bread cubes into a food processor and pulse until it is broken down to the size of very large breadcrumbs, about pea-sized pieces. 1 cup cubed crusty bread
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet. Add in the breadcrumbs and toss to coat in the oil. Continue to cook and stir until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Remove from the heat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 5 tbsp olive oil
- In a bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, maple syrup and garlic until combined. ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 garlic clove
- Pour the dressing over the kale, using as much or as little as you like, and toss to coat. Add in half the breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, half the almonds, and toss again. ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds
- Top with the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and almonds. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- Lacinato kale can also be labeled Tuscan or Dino kale . It has flatter, less curly leaves and is generally easier to clean. Curly kale will work in this recipe, too.
- We love the texture of the homemade croutons, but feel free to substitute store-bought.
- To keep that satisfying crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on just before serving . If you’re prepping ahead, store them separately in an airtight container.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Kale Salad Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Prep and massage the kale: Add 2 large bunches of chopped kale to a large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until soft and glossy.
Make the breadcrumbs: Place 1 cup of crusty bread cubes in a food processor and pulse into large crumbs.
Toast the breadcrumbs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, add breadcrumbs, and toast until golden. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Whisk the dressing: In a bowl, whisk ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1 grated garlic clove until emulsified.
Finish and serve: Top with the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and almonds. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately.
How to Store and Reheat
This kale salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still hold up well. Store any dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The kale will continue to soften, but the flavor remains delicious.
To keep the breadcrumbs crispy, store any extras separately in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
What Else to Add
- Protein: Grilled chicken , crispy bacon, hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or tofu .
- Fruit: Sliced peaches, apples, or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
- Nuts: Try toasted walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Extras: Avocado, roasted sweet potatoes , sunflower seeds, or goat cheese for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This kale salad makes a great side dish for just about any meal, but it’s also hearty enough to stand on its own. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon , or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner, or pile it onto a lunch plate with some fresh fruit and crusty bread. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, or holiday tables.
More Green Salads To Try
- This Green Goddess Salad combines crunchy romaine, mixed greens, and my favorite salad add-ins, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise–sour cream dressing packed with fresh herbs.
- Nothing beats a classic Waldorf Salad for the combination of sweet and creamy flavors and crunchy textures.
- This Broccoli Salad features all the classic ingredients, but I’ve added bacon and cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
More Hearty Salad Recipes for Any Meal
Kale Salad Recipe with Apples & Fried Goat Cheese (Fall Salad Ideas)
Kale Caesar Salad Recipe
Traditional Greek Salad
Chopped Salad
Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 2 bunches Lacinato kale washed, destemmed and chopped
- ½ tsp salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper plus more to taste
- 5 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 cup cubed crusty bread such as sourdough
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 garlic clove grated
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds
Instructions
- Add the kale to a large bowl. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Begin to massage and squish the kale in your hands until it has softened and become glossy. Set aside. 2 bunches Lacinato kale, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- Place your bread cubes into a food processor and pulse until it is broken down to the size of very large breadcrumbs, about pea-sized pieces. 1 cup cubed crusty bread
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet. Add in the breadcrumbs and toss to coat in the oil. Continue to cook and stir until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Remove from the heat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 5 tbsp olive oil
- In a bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, maple syrup and garlic until combined. ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 garlic clove
- Pour the dressing over the kale, using as much or as little as you like, and toss to coat. Add in half the breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, half the almonds, and toss again. ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds
- Top with the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and almonds. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Lacinato kale can also be labeled Tuscan or Dino kale . It has flatter, less curly leaves and is generally easier to clean. Curly kale will work in this recipe, too.
- We love the texture of the homemade croutons, but feel free to substitute store-bought.
- To keep that satisfying crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on just before serving . If you’re prepping ahead, store them separately in an airtight container.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
