Summer Kale Salad

Summer Kale Salad

Summer’s heating up, and when the temps rise, lighter meals are the way to go. Enter this vibrant Summer Kale Salad—a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish bursting with flavor and seasonal goodness. Loaded with colorful veggies and superfoods, it’s the perfect way to fuel your body without weighing you down. Want to make it a meal? Just toss in your favorite protein—grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu—for a satisfying and wholesome bite.

Salad Ingredients

  • Kale – rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It also contains nutrients that support eye health, weight management, heart health, and other benefits.
  • Red onion – sharp and slightly sweet, bringing contrast and brightness.
  • Edamame – slightly nutty, buttery flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
  • Dried sweetened cranberries – a burst of tangy-sweet flavor, chewy texture, adding balance by cutting through savory, salty, or bitter elements
  • Walnuts – add a rich, earthy crunch, along with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Nutritionally, they’re a powerhouse, packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and minerals that support heart and brain health.
  • Crumbled blue cheese – has a bold, tangy, and salty flavor with a sharp, earthy bite

Dressing ingredients

  • White balsamic vinegar – has a milder, sweeter flavor compared to traditional dark balsamic.
  • Sugar – adds sweetness and helps cut the sharp tang of vinegar.
  • Olive oil – bringing richness, smooth texture, and depth of flavor.
  • Garlic – has a bold, pungent flavor that can range from sharp and spicy
  • Salt and pepper – salt enhances and balances the other ingredients, also tames the bitterness in the kale. Black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy sharpness, giving a little kick.

Summer Kale Salad

Print Recipe
This superfood kale salad is a nutrient-packed powerhouse, featuring tender kale, protein-rich edamame, crunchy walnuts, sweetened dried cranberries, and crisp red onions—all combined with a light vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful bite.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

Kale Salad Dressing

  • cup white sugar
  • ½ cup white balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Kale Salad Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale
  • 16 oz edamame shelled
  • ¼ medium red onion sliced thin
  • ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ½ cup feta or blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

Salad Dressing

  • Add all of the dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk together until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Kale Salad

  • Wash the kale and remove the larger stems. Tear the leaves into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl.
  • Add to the kale, the rest of the salad ingredients and toss.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again, distributing the dressing throughout well.
  • Chill for about 4-6 hours before serving.

Notes

Add blueberries for an additional superfood.
Any cheese crumble with a sharp tang will work in this salad, such as feta, blue, or goat cheese.