🍳DailyRecipes
Salad

Easy Kale Salad

This fresh and crunchy kale salad uses a simple Dijon vinaigrette to make raw kale taste absolutely wonderful.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 25, 2026
Easy Kale Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
0 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
4

This kale salad is one of my favorite quick meals because it is so fresh, tangy, and sweet. The combination of earthy kale, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and chewy raisins creates a perfect balance of textures that even picky eaters seem to enjoy.

The secret to this recipe is massaging the kale, which takes just a few minutes of effort. It softens the sturdy leaves and removes any bitter edge, making the greens much more enjoyable to eat raw. Plus, this salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, so it is a fantastic choice for your weekly meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl or jar until smooth.

  2. 2

    Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite sized pieces. Make sure the leaves are washed and dried thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Place the kale in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with about half of the prepared dressing.

  4. 4

    Use clean hands to massage the kale by gently squeezing and rubbing the leaves for 1 to 3 minutes, until they look darker and feel soft.

  5. 5

    Add the diced apple, walnuts, and raisins to the bowl.

  6. 6

    Pour the remaining dressing over the salad, toss everything together until well coated, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you prefer a less tangy flavor, add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing. For the best crunch, wait to add the walnuts until just before you are ready to serve.

#Healthy#Vegetarian#Gluten Free#Salad

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