A vibrant, refreshing, and nutrient-rich salad featuring finely chopped kale, crisp green cabbage, and toasted almonds—all brought together with a tangy, slightly sweet homemade dressing. This crunchy salad is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crunchy kale salad delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors: leafy greens, delicate cabbage shreds, and warm toasted almonds paired with a bright, tangy dressing. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and gets even better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish. The ingredients are minimal and approachable, and the dressing brings a bold yet clean flavor that transforms everyday vegetables into something truly crave-worthy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large bunch kale, stems removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 small green cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Homemade Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons raw honey or pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more hot sauce or salt if desired.
3. Place the chopped kale and shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the greens, then massage it into the leaves with clean hands until everything is lightly coated and slightly softened.
5. Add the toasted sliced almonds over the top. Toss gently and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: approximately 15 minutes.
There is no cooking time required, aside from toasting the almonds, which takes around 4 minutes.

Variations

• Add thinly sliced carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Swap almonds with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
• Mix in finely chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
• Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to turn it into a more filling meal.
• Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a brighter citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because kale is sturdy, it holds up well even after being dressed.
If preparing ahead, you can store the dressing separately and toss it with the greens just before serving.
No reheating is needed for this recipe.

AQs

How do I prevent kale from being too tough?

Massaging the kale with the dressing softens the leaves and makes them more tender.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, savoy or napa cabbage can work well, though they will give a slightly different texture.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Absolutely. It can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How can I make this salad sweeter?

Increase the honey or maple syrup slightly to adjust the sweetness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and even tastes better after sitting for a few hours.

Can I use pre-cut kale?

Yes, but remove any tough stems and chop it more finely if needed.

What type of hot sauce works best?

Any vinegar-based hot sauce works well. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.

Can I toast almonds in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Is the salad gluten-free?

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free as long as your hot sauce is certified gluten-free.

Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, thinly sliced apples or dried cranberries pair wonderfully with the tangy dressing.

Conclusion

This crunchy kale salad is a wonderfully simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for everyday meals or gatherings. With its crisp vegetables, warm toasted almonds, and a bold homemade dressing, it delivers a satisfying and wholesome experience. Easy to prepare, affordable, and adaptable, it quickly becomes a reliable favorite for anyone looking to enjoy fresh, clean eating.

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