This is really not your average salad, it’s the BEST Kale Salad recipe there is! Loaded with flavor and a heartiness from the spicy lentils and a balsamic vinaigrette. Now add in your favorite fruits and veggies and dig in!!
Hello Salad Month. We’re so ready for you! We’re not going to be bored or eat bland foods this month, we’re all for zest, spice and punch! Kicking it off with my favorite kale salad, even if you’ve probably you’ve had too many kale salad recipes. This one is a must try!
The good news is, after all the Holiday sugar I had, I actually really miss salads for dinner. Something like this chicken salad or a pasta salad, and mostly I missed all my salad recipes. Today’s kale salad has a twist from the spicy lentils, which certainly satisfied my salad cravings.
Why Kale for a Salad
Kale is super good for you, and you certainly read about it here and there. But above all, kale has so much texture and a slight bitter taste which compliments any dressing and ingredients to your salad.
How do you soften kale for a salad
This is my favorite trick. I can’t tell you how many people gave kale a second chance only because of massaging kale. As funny as it sounds, you need to massage your kale.
Wash the kale leaves (no stems please since they’re really bitter) and add a pinch of salt to them. In a bowl or just over your cutting board, simply use your hands to squish the kale. You don’t need to be gently here, kale is super sturdy!
You’ll see the texture of the kale turns softer and the flavor is milder. Above all, when you massage kale it becomes so much easier to digest!
How long will massaged kale keep? About 3 days in your fridge, well covered. So if you can spare 10 minutes, cut down the whole bunch of kale, massage it and stope it in the fridge for everyday salads, pasta, sandwiches and more.
Now What is the best dressing for kale salad?
The beauty of kale is it can take over any dressing! It’s got a strong flavor that can take on mayo based dressings, balsamic , sweet fruity dressing or tart citrusy garlic ones.
My favorite dressing for a kale salad are always spiked with a touch of sweetness. This compliments the bitterness of the ale so very well. And that’s also probably why most of my kale salads have fruits.
Why Spicy Lentils
OMG I can’t even. Garlic, fresh herbs, chilli flakes, lime, olive oil and lentils. This mega flavor booster is the read deal in your kale salad. And even more, it’s a super easy way to flavor many simple dishes.
So I’ll make a batch of spicy lentils and I’ll crack some eggs over them, or use them to garnish a simple soup, toss them with pasta, add them to rice, tacos, you name it!
How to Make Kale Salad
First of all, massage your kale real good. Then make a sweet fruits balsamic dressing, I’ve used raspberries and figs and blended it all together.
Make the spicy lentils in a skillet. You’ll need your lentils to be cooked through for this stage. I always have some lentils on hand, if you need some tips on how to cook lentils, you can read this Mexican….
Sautee the garlic in olive oil with chilli flakes and then adding the lentils and cook them for just 2-3 minutes. Finally finish off with some fresh herbs and lime juice.
Now assemble the salad. Toss some of the dressing with the kale and then add the fruits, some boiled eggs (skip if vegan) and your spicy lentils. Drizzle some more dressing and voila!
Delicious and heavenly kale salad!
Tips for Kale Salad
Always always massage your kale. Massaged kale can keeping the fridge for 3 days.
It’s best to use a fruity/sweet salad dressing with kale to balance some of the bitterness.
Making a homemade salad dressing can last for up to 3 months in your fridge, so it’s always best to try that! A good blender is all you need.
The spicy lentils can be stored for a week in your fridge and used in salads, topped over soups, eggs, pasta, rice, salads or just as is.
The final assembled salad makes great lunch the next day, and can stay fresh for at least 24 hours in the fridge.
More Salad Recipes
- Salmon Salad With Sweet Dill Dressing
- Sweet Persimmon Apple Kale Salad Recipe
- Smoked Salmon Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing
- Bread Feta Salad with Figs
Kale Salad with Spicy Lentils
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cup Kale leaves washed and massaged with a pinch of salt
- 1 cup apple thinly sliced
- 1 cup persimmons thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion a small one of half a bog one thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/3 cup figs halved
- 4 eggs hard boiled egg halved
- 1 cup black lentils spicy lentils recipe below
Spicy Lentils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups black lentils cooked
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley adding cilantro if you prefer
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Fig Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup figs quartered
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
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Prepare the spicy lentils by sautéing the garlic in olive oil for a minute. Add in the lentils, salt and chilli flakes and then mix for another 2 minutes over medium high heat. Finish off with the parsley and a squirt of lime.
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Make the vinaigrette, put all the ingredients in a high speed blender and pulse until smooth. Store in a fridge, and save about 3 tablespoons for the salad.
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Assemble the salad. Toss the kale with a tablespoon of the vinaigrette and start assembling the remaining ingredients. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Always always massage your kale. Massaged kale can keeping the fridge for 3 days. It’s best to use a fruity/sweet salad dressing with kale to balance some of the bitterness. Making a homemade salad dressing can last for up to 3 months in your fridge, so it’s always best to try that! A good blender is all you need. The spicy lentils can be stored for a week in your fridge and used in salads, topped over soups, eggs, pasta, rice, salads or just as is. The final assembled salad makes great lunch the next day, and can stay fresh for at least 24 hours in the fridge.
Wow! This is incredibly awesome. I’ve actually prepared kale salad before but not with lentils. Thanks for sharing Mahy. I’m gonna try this out this Sunday.
Esmeralda, thanks so much! You’ll really enjoy this one!!
Two of my favorite things. Kale and lentils. Better yet you made it spicy, love anything spicy. This looks perfect comfort food for this time of the year. Hearty and wholesome.
Mine too Veena!
For me too! Thanks Veena
Now that is one heck of a salad!! It is absolutely gorgeous and I would certainly dive into it eagerly!! I do love kale but I’ve yet to use it in a salad. You give some great tips on how to make it more digestible. I’m picking up some kale at Trader Joe ASAP!! I’ve got to try out the lentils and your vinaigrette!!
Thank you Marisa!!
This looks so delicious & healthy! Fun fact: I actually have a thing for massaging kale. So weird. But it kinda feels good?
Feels therapeutically good lol !
I need to get back to eating healthy after all the fat ladened holiday foods. This is the perfect start!
I feel you Claudia!
Massaging Kale? Really? That is such a cool thing to share because I guarantee, most of us have never heard of it lol! I love lentils, so can’t wait to check this one out.
Jeanette–massaging kale is a GAME-CHANGER!! You need to try it!