This simple kale salad is topped with garlic butter croutons and a creamy tahini dressing. It makes the perfect side dish to so many meals!
One thing I realised I was lacking on the site is some really good side dishes. Specifically a simple side salad like this one. You can't beat a super easy kale salad which is great served with pretty much anything from grilled meats to pasta dishes to seafood.
If you're looking for a kale salad that can work as a full meal then give this halloumi salad with kale a go!
Ingredients
- Bread of your choice
- Olive oil and butter
- Garlic
- Dried Thyme
- Kale
- Tahini
- Lemon Juice
- Honey
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cut the bread up into cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Toss with melted butter, olive oil, thyme, garlic and salt and pepper. Bake.
Put all of the dressing ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. Add water until you reach desired consistency.
Put the kale in a large serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil and massage.
Toss the kale with the dressing and sprinkle over the croutons.
Hint: don't skip massaging the kale - massaging for 3-5 minutes before adding the dressing and croutons helps to soften the kale and infuse the leaves with the olive oil.
Substitutions
- Seasonings - I like to use a combo of dried thyme and garlic on the croutons but really the world is your oyster - try out oregano, smoked paprika or a shaving of parmesan instead
- Vegan - with a few simple switches you can make this recipe completely vegan. Just swap the butter for vegan butter (or more olive oil) and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing
Variations
- Spicy - add a sprinkle of chilli flakes to the croutons for a spicy kick
- Make it bigger - if you want to serve this recipe as a main dish then you could just add some chopped chicken or tofu to bulk it out
Storage
Store the croutons separately from the salad in sealed containers in the fridge until ready to eat. Store for 4-5 days.
Top tip
It's up to you what type of bread you use for the croutons but I recommend something quite sturdy like a baguette or crusty loaf so that it can stand up to the seasonings and baking. I used an olive bread that we had leftover and it turned out so well!
FAQ
Absolutely! Although you often eat kale steamed or sautéed, it's also delicious raw. Make sure to massage it for a few minutes before eating to soften slightly and to remove the stems.
Kale is a bit hardier than a lot of other leafy vegetables so it can last in the fridge for up to 6 days if stored carefully in the crisper drawer with excess moisture removed.
Want more? Try these other kale recipes!
- Cherry Tomato Pasta with Kale
- Bean & Pearl Barley Salad with Kale
- Tortellini Soup with Kale
- Smoky Bean Stew with Kale
- Chipotle Eggs & Potatoes with Kale
- Instant Pot Kale
Recipe
Kale Salad with Croutons & Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- 300 g/10oz Crusty Bread
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoon Butter melted
- 4 cloves Garlic crushed
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 bunch (250g/4 cups) Kale stems removed, chopped
Dressing
- 5 tablespoon Tahini
- 3 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Salt and Pepper
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Cut the bread into cubes and place on a baking sheet, toss with olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper and thyme then bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- Whisk together the first six dressing ingredients and then thin with water until you reach a pouring consistency.
- Put the kale in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and massage for a minute. Toss with the dressing then add the croutons and toss again.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Tayler says
I had this kale salad with dinner last night and it was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Kerri says
What a yummy and healthy recipe! I love that you can add things like chicken and make it a full meal or just eat it as a side salad!
Beth says
I love salads that are more than just cold greens and dressing. Just looking at this is making me hungry!
Nancy says
I think the best part is the creamy tahini dressing. Really hits the spot.
Shareba @ InSearchOfYummyness.com says
Massaging the kale is such a good tip. It makes a huge difference!