Everyday Kale Salad – Simply Scratch

This super simple Everyday Kale Salad has chopped lacinato kale, toasted sliced almonds, sweet dried cranberries and shaved parmesan tossed in a roasted garlic parmesan dressing. And addictive and wholesome salad you’ll absolutely love!  Yields 4 servings.

Do you ever crave kale salad? Because I do.

Sometimes it’s brownies and other times all I want is an earthy, dark, leafy green salad. And when the craving strikes, this is my go-to salad because I usually have everything (with the exception of kale) on hand already.

I love how this salad is simple yet scrumptious. It’s salty, sweet and deliciously garlicky. The crunch of the toasted almonds and the sweetness of the dried cranberries are absolute perfection.

But the dressing. The dressing is my favorite part.

To Make This Everyday Kale Salad You Will Need:

• lacinato kale – Also known as dino kale or tuscan kale.
• olive oil – Adds flavor and aids in softening the kale.
• kosher salt – Aids in softening the kale.
• sliced almonds – Toasted in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden.
• dried cranberries – Adds a pop of color, sweetness and chewy texture.
• shaved parmesan – Lends flavor and saltiness.
• roasted garlic parmesan dressing
• freshly ground black pepper – Lends distinct bite and flavor.

optional variations:

• protein – Add cooked chicken or protein of choice.
• increased fiber and nutrients – Toss in cooked grains like rice, quinoa, bulgur wheat, winter wheat berries, barley, farro etc.
• nut allergies – Use crispy chickpeas or toasted pipits or sunflower seeds.

Once you’ve rinsed and chopped 2 bunches of lacinato kale, transfer to bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil and add a pinch of salt.

Use your impeccably clean hands to massage the salt and oil into the kale. Doing this will soften the kale leaves making them tender and easier to chew.

Transfer to a serving bowl (if not already) and top with 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds and 1/3 cup dried cranberries.

Add s1/4 cup parmesan shavings, top with a spoonfuls of roasted garlic parmesan dressing (add to your preference) and more freshly ground black pepper.

Toss to coat everything in the dressing and serve!

What To Serve With Kale Salad:

Enjoy! And if you give this Everyday Kale Salad recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!