Introduction
The inspiration for this kale salad dates back to a quiet afternoon when Lina Vexley was experimenting in her cozy kitchen. She wanted something refreshing yet satisfying—something that felt nourishing without being complicated. As she tossed together fresh kale, cherry tomatoes, almonds, feta, and a bright homemade dressing, she realized she’d created a dish that was both vibrant and comforting. Her friends loved it instantly, and soon it became a staple at her gatherings. This salad is a reflection of Lina’s philosophy: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and wholesome food meant to be shared with joy.
Fresh Kale Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups fresh kale washed and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup almonds toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup croutons
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add the chopped kale to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, feta cheese, and croutons.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat the ingredients.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Recipe
Preparing this kale salad is simple, but a few key steps help elevate the flavors and textures. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your kale leaves. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Kale can be firmer than other greens, so massaging it lightly with clean hands for about a minute helps soften the texture and makes it more enjoyable to eat. Once the kale is ready, add the cherry tomatoes for their bright sweetness, followed by toasted almonds to bring a satisfying crunch. The feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that binds everything together.
Next, prepare the dressing in a small bowl by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing is intentionally light and refreshing, allowing the natural flavors of the kale and tomatoes to shine. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every leaf gets coated. Add the croutons last so they stay crisp.
If you want to make the salad more filling, consider adding diced avocado, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. The recipe is flexible and can be adapted to any dietary preference. Once everything is combined, serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and creaminess.
Conclusion
This kale salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and nourishing. With its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and bright flavors, it makes a fantastic side dish or a light meal on its own. The combination of kale, tomatoes, almonds, and feta pairs beautifully with the refreshing lemon dressing, delivering both nutrition and taste. Inspired by Lina Vexley’s love for wholesome, uncomplicated cooking, this salad is ideal for anyone seeking a quick yet flavorful dish. Whether shared with others or enjoyed solo, it’s a recipe that brings freshness to every plate.