Healthy · Easy
Fresh Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
A refreshing, nutrient-rich kale salad with a bright homemade lemon dressing.
Fresh Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a simple, refreshing, and nutrient-packed dish that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a healthy side. Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale has tender, curly leaves that become pleasantly crisp when lightly massaged with lemon dressing, making it an excellent choice for fresh salads. This recipe is quick to prepare and highlights the natural flavor and nutritional benefits of homegrown kale.
15 min
—
15 min
2

Ingredients
Salad
- Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale— Washed, stems removed, chopped150 g
- Cherry Tomatoes— Halved100 g
- Cucumber— Thinly sliced100 g
- Red Onion— Thinly sliced30 g
- Parmesan Cheese— Freshly grated30 g
- Toasted Almonds— Roughly chopped30 g
Lemon Dressing
- Olive Oil— Extra virgin recommended3 tbsp
- Fresh Lemon Juice— Freshly squeezed2 tbsp
- Honey— Adjust to taste1 tsp
- Dijon Mustard— Helps emulsify dressing1 tsp
- Garlic— Minced1 clove
- Salt— Or to taste1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper— Freshly ground1/4 tsp
Optional Garnish
- Lemon Zest— Adds fresh citrus aroma1 tsp
- Pumpkin Seeds— Extra crunch20 g
- Avocado— Sliced1/2 piece
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Kale
Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- 2
Make the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- 3
Massage the Kale
Pour half of the dressing over the kale and gently massage the leaves with clean hands for 1–2 minutes until they become softer and darker green.
- 4
Add the Vegetables
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and toasted almonds to the bowl.
- 5
Toss the Salad
Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- 6
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, or a little lemon zest if desired.
Farm tip
For the sweetest and most tender kale leaves, harvest early in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Pick the outer leaves first while leaving the center growing point intact so the plant continues producing fresh leaves for weeks.