Best Kale Salad Dressing Recipes

COLORFUL KALE AND SPINACH SALAD AND HOMEMADE DRESSING

Steps:

• Toss kale, spinach, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper together in a large mixing bowl.
• Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; seal and shake until mixed completely. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat.

MAUI KALE SALAD WITH SWEET ONION DRESSING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the kale, cabbage, cranberries, and sweet onion dressing. Toss to coat and mix thoroughly, using your hands if desired. Transfer to the fridge and let chill for at least 15 minutes.
• When ready to serve, add the potato chips and peanuts and toss to combine. Season with a pinch of salt, if needed.

KALE AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH LEMON TAHINI DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine tahini, soybean oil, lemon juice, water, garlic, soy sauce and sugar in small bowl. Stir until smooth.
• Place kale and cucumbers in large bowl. Pour dressing over kale; toss until combined.
• Marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes, tossing occasionally.
• Sprinkle with almonds and golden raisins.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD AND KALE SUMMER ROLLS WITH FETA CHEESE AND AVOCADO GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Steps:

• For the squash: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the squash in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with the chile flakes and a good amount of salt. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and roast until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove and refrigerate until needed.
• For the dressing: Combine the anchovies, avocado, garlic, parsley, scallions, cilantro and 1/8 cup water in food processor or blender and puree. Add the mayo, chile juice, lemon juice and salt and puree again until combined. This can be done the day before.
• For the kale salad: Place the kale into a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of the dressing and squeeze lightly with your hands to soften the tough leaves. Add the arugula, feta, half the pumpkin seeds and half the pomegranate seeds and taste for seasoning, adding salt if needed.
• To serve: Fill a mixing bowl with warm water and soak 1 piece of rice paper until pliable, but not entirely soft (10 to 15 seconds). Lay it flat on a clean work surface, ensuring that it sticks to the surface. Continue until you have 4 to 6 wrappers stuck to the surface.
• Place a strip of roasted butternut squash across each wrapper, 2 inches from the bottom of each wrapper. On top of the strips, lay some of the dressed kale salad, using your hands to form a log-shaped pile. Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up and the sides in against the filling. Roll up to the top edge, pulling back to tighten the roll as you make them (this is the reason you want the wrapper actually stuck to the surface, it will allow you to get more tension while rolling). Place a damp towel over the rolls (this will keep them moist and soft) and repeat until you have 16 rolls made. These can be assembled up to 1 hour before the guests arrive.
• Slice the rolls into 3 to 4 pieces so that they look like sushi and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds and serve with a ramekin of the avocado green goddess dressing as a dipping sauce.

RAW KALE SALAD WITH TAHINI DRESSING

Steps:

• Place all the chopped and grated veggies, nuts, and sprouts in a large bowl. Add the edamame beans and/or garbanzo beans, if using.
• Place tahini, water(start with less water and add more to get to desired consistency), lemon juice, garlic, salt and honey in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. This makes about 1 cup.
• Add desired amount of dressing to salad and toss to mix.
• Enjoy!

KALE SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk peanut oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, dry mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, water, and sesame oil together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
• Combine kale, chopped peanuts, Parmesan cheese, dry-roasted peanuts, cilantro, and mint leaves together in a bowl; add dressing and toss to coat. Let salad sit for a few minutes for flavors to blend.

QUINOA, KALE, AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH LEMON DIJON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• Blend 1 cup olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, and kosher salt together in a blender until dressing is smooth and creamy.
• Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil in a saucepan; add quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; saute onion and garlic in hot oil until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir kale into onion mixture; saute until kale is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Stir kale mixture into quinoa. Pour dressing over the top and add pine nuts and avocado; toss to coat. Serve warm or cold.

SUNNY'S GRILLED CHICKEN AND KALE SALAD WITH SUNNY'S CREAMY "EQUAL-PARTS" HARISSA SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, mayonnaise, buttermilk, cilantro, scallions and a few grinds of black pepper.
• For the salad: In the same large bowl, add the kale salad mix, chicken, grapes, strawberries and tomatoes. Use 2 serving spoons or tongs to toss and coat everything with the dressing on the bottom. Serve, but this is a salad that actually will hold 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator without the kale wilting!

TUSCAN KALE SALAD WITH ANCHOVY DRESSING

Steps:

• For the Tuscan kale salad: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat. Carefully submerge the kale in the hot water for 1 minute. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. (The kale should be just slightly wilted and tenderized.) Remove the kale to a towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess water.
• In a small bowl, combine the raisins, white wine vinegar and 1/4 cup hot water. Rehydrate the raisins for at least 15 minutes, then drain when ready to serve.
• For the anchovy dressing: Into a blender add the white wine vinegar, pecorino, shallots honey and anchovies. Blend on high until smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad at least 15 minutes before serving to help further tenderize the kale.
• When ready to serve, add the toasted hazelnuts and plumped golden raisins and garnish with the shaved pecorino.

KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH TOFU CROUTONS & KALAMATA CAESAR DRESSING

Steps:

• Make the tofu croutons. Remove the block of tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Press the tofu by laying a half dozen or so paper towels on a dinner plate and placing the tofu on top. Add a couple more paper towels and top with 4 or 5 more dinner plates. Let sit for 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally to move the plates if they're off balance. Or, much easier, use a tofu press!
• Set the tofu on a cutting board and cut it into crouton-size pieces, about 3/4-inch big.
• Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. On a large plate or in a shallow baking dish, combine the corn starch, garlic powder, and salt with a fork. Working in batches, dredge the tofu in the corn starch mixture, turning to coat evenly. Carefully add tofu to hot oil in skillet. Cook on medium-high for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown most sides. Remove tofu from pan and place on several paper towels, blotting to remove excess oil.
• Make the dressing. To a food processor or high-power blender, add the olives, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, vinegar, Worchestershire sauce, and pepper. Pulse until smooth, about 30 seconds. Drizzle in the olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy, about 15-20 seconds more.
• Prepare the salad. Add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss well to coat all of the leaves. Top with the tofu croutons and a few shavings of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with additional lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.

KALE SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk together the peanut butter with the rice vinegar, lime juice, vegetable oil, soy sauce, water and sugar in a large bowl. Add the kale, edamame, radishes and peanuts; toss well. Top with black sesame seeds and more peanuts.

GARLIC KALE AND BROWN RICE SALAD WITH ZIPPY LEMON DRESSING

Steps:

• Pulse all the dressing ingredients ( first 7 ) in a food processor until smooth.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the kale and saute until wilted to about half of the original volume.
• Add the brown rice and stir-fry for a few minutes together with the kale until everything is heated through.
• Add the dressing into the pan (start with about half of it) and toss to combine.
• Just before serving (can be served hot or cold), toss with the chips. Top with dried cranberries

KALE SALAD WITH PINEAPPLE DRESSING

Steps:

• Place shredded kale in a large bowl. Mix pineapple, lemon juice, and sunflower oil together in a bowl; pour over kale and toss. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over salad.

CRUNCHY KALE SALAD WITH ORANGE GINGER DRESSING

Steps:

• 1. Shred the kale and red cabbage. Add to your bowl. image 2. Quarter the cucumbers and slice them into small quarter slices. Julienne the green apple. Cube the avocado and scoop it into the salad. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the apple and avocado so they don't turn brown. image 3. Toast the sesame seeds in a 400 degree oven for 2-4 minutes, until toasty but not burnt. 4. Whisk together the orange juice, sesame oil, grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well incorporated. Add the toasted sesame seeds. 5. Add the pecans and currants to the bowl, then pour the dressing over it and toss well in a large bowl. Dress the whole salad even if you're saving some for later because it ages well.

WARM MILLET, CARROT AND KALE SALAD WITH CURRY-SCENTED DRESSING

Steps:

• Separate the kale into two unequal bunches, with about two thirds in one bunch. Wash and dry the smaller bunch, roll the leaves in paper towels and set aside. Blanch the rest in a pot of boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon or skimmer, transfer to a bowl of cold water, drain and squeeze out excess water. Cut the squeezed bunch of kale crosswise into thin slices and set aside. Measure out 2 cups of the blanching water.
• Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat in a heavy 2- or 3-quart saucepan. Add the millet and toast, stirring, until it begins to smell fragrant and toasty, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the 2 cups of kale water. If not using the kale water add 2 cups water and salt to taste, and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, until the liquid in the saucepan has evaporated and the grains are fluffy. Turn off the heat, place a clean dish towel over the pot and return the lid. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer the cooked millet to a baking sheet or a shallow pan and spread out in an even layer to cool. This helps prevent clumping.
• Meanwhile, make crispy kale with the remaining kale. Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Make sure that your kale leaves are dry. Tear them into medium-size pieces and toss with the olive oil. Gently knead the leaves between your thumbs and fingers to make sure they are coated with oil. Place in an even layer on the baking sheets. Do this in batches if necessary. Place in the oven and roast for 22 to 25 minutes, until the leaves are crisp but not browned. If some of the leaves crisp before others, remove them to a bowl or sheet pan and return the remaining kale to the oven. Watch closely as once the kale browns it will taste bitter. Once the kale is crisp, season to taste with salt. Allow to cool.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup, then transfer to a wide skillet. Add the millet, blanched kale, carrots, and nigella seeds and heat everything together over medium heat, stirring to combine well, until sizzling. Stir in the cilantro just before serving. Serve with the crispy kale crumbled over the top.

KALE WALDORF SALAD WITH APPLES, WALNUTS & CREAMY DRESSING

Steps:

• Salad:.
• Mix all the salad ingredients together.
• Dressing:.
• Put the 1/2 cup chopped apple in a blender along with remaining 1/4 cup walnuts, remaining 2 tablespoons raisins, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar and salt. Purée until well combined and slightly thick, adding water if needed to thin. Pour dressing over kale salad and toss to combin.

BLACK RICE, BEET AND KALE SALAD WITH CIDER FLAX DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add beets to a sheet of parchment-lined foil. Crunch into a ball. Roast for 1 1/2 hours, until tender. Cool until comfortable to handle. Cut beets into bite-sized pieces or wedges. Add to a large bowl.
• In a medium pot, add rice and 1 1/3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 40 to 45 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add to beets, along with kale and pecans.
• In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients or shake in a jar. Add to salad. Toss to combine, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best). Before serving, taste and adjusting seasoning if desired.
• This salad will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

KALE SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Put the garlic cloves on a piece of foil and fold to wrap up. Put on a small baking sheet and roast until the garlic is completely softened and just beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Carefully unwrap the foil and let cool.
• When the garlic is cool enough to handle, peel the skins and transfer the cloves to a blender. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, anchovy, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of black pepper and puree until smooth. With the blender running, stream in the olive oil until well combined and emulsified. Add the Parmesan and pulse just to combine.
• Pour about 1/2 cup of the dressing into the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Add the kale and drizzle the top with another 1/2 cup of dressing. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale, coating all the pieces. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper or more dressing before serving.

KALE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Place kale in a resealable plastic bag; add 1 teaspoon olive oil and salt. Mix thoroughly until leaves are coated. Seal bag and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels; crumble into small pieces.
• Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic together in a bowl until dressing is evenly mixed.
• Transfer kale to a bowl; add dressing and toss to coat. Top salad with bacon and sunflower seeds.

KALE AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH ROASTED GINGER DRESSING

Steps:

• Dressing:
• Heat broiler. Broil ginger in its skin, turning once, until very dark brown and beginning to scorch in places and a paring knife passes through the center with relative ease, 40-50 minutes (if skin is getting too dark before flesh is tender, turn down the heat or move to the oven). Let cool; slice (leave on the skin).
• Pulse ginger, chile, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, oil, and 2 Tbsp. water in a food processor, adding additional water by tablespoonfuls if needed, until a smooth paste forms.
• Assembly:
• Toss kale and 1/4 cup dressing in a large bowl to coat; massage with your fingers until kale is slightly softened.
• Toss English and Persian cucumbers, onion, lime juice, and sugar in a medium bowl to combine; season generously with salt. Let sit 10 minutes to allow cucumbers and onion to soften slightly.
• Add cucumber mixture to bowl with kale and toss to combine, adding additional dressing if desired. Serve topped with cilantro and fried onions.
• Do Ahead
• Dressing can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.