Looking for a salad that's both hearty and flavorful? This kale salad with spicy peanut dressing combines tender kale, crisp cabbage, and a bold, creamy dressing. It's a satisfying dish that's perfect as a main course or a side.
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I started making this kale salad recipe after eating Honor Bar's Crunchy Emerald Kale Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette. It was so delicious I wanted to replicate that flavor profile.
It's a close copycat recipe, and the perfect base for any protein like rotisserie chicken, roasted turkey, steak or shrimp, similar to this mango kale salad.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Texture and flavor: The combination of curly kale and green cabbage provides a satisfying crunch, while the spicy peanut vinaigrette adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Versatility: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rotisserie chicken, sweet potatoes, or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sturdy greens hold up well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make this emerald kale salad with peanut vinaigrette:
Ingredient Notes:
- Curly kale or lacinato kale (dinosaur kale): Washed, stems removed, chopped, and massaged.
- Green cabbage: Thinly sliced for added crunch. Or swap with red cabbage for extra color.
- Green onions: Sliced for a mild onion flavor. Shallots or red onion work as well.
- Fresh mint and cilantro: Chop the fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
- Roasted peanuts: Chopped for a crunchy topping. I prefer unsalted peanuts.
- Creamy peanut butter: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Almond butter can also be used.
- Tamari: Adds umami depth. Feel free to swap with gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity. Use rice vinegar for a milder flavor.
- Toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma.
- Maple syrup: Balances the flavors with sweetness. Swap with honey if you like it a little sweeter.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Minced for warmth and spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust to taste for heat.
See recipe card below for all ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Kale Salad With Spicy Peanut Dressing
Make the Dressing
Combine dressing ingredients in a small jar or bowl and whisk until smooth.
Prepare the Kale
Wash, remove stems, chop and massage kale with a little olive oil and sea salt.
Assemble the Salad
Add the salad ingredients to the bowl with the kale. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Protein Boost: Add rotisserie chicken, chickpeas or baked lemon garlic salmon for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variations: Incorporate shredded carrots, purple cabbage, napa cabbage, or a quick sautéed butternut squash for added color and texture.
- Make it Spicier: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- Wraps: Use as a filling for a hearty cassava wrap, and top with mango mint salsa for a burst of flavor.
- Topped with roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness and crisp edges of roasted sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the bold, nutty dressing.
- Alongside a bowl of soup: Serve it with a light vegetable soup or creamy mushroom soup for a balanced, cozy meal that works year-round.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad holds up well, making it ideal for meal prep.
Recipes To Pair With Kale Salad
📖 Recipe
Crunchy Kale Salad with Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette
Looking for a salad that's both hearty and flavorful? This kale salad with spicy peanut dressing combines tender kale, crisp cabbage, and a bold, creamy dressing. It's a satisfying dish that's perfect as a main course or a side.
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Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- 1 mason jar or small bowl
- 1 salad bowl
Jacqui's Prep TipWeigh ingredients with a food scale for best results!
Ingredients
Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup (72 grams) extra virgin olive oil divided
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gluten free tamari
- 1 teaspoon natural smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Kale Salad:
- 1 (284 grams) bunch kale about 10oz
- 1½ cup (105 grams) finely shredded green cabbage
- ¾ cup (12 grams) chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh mint
- 4 scallions, green parts only chopped
- ¾ cup (109 grams) roasted peanuts roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar, tamari, peanut butter, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, garlic cayenne pepper and black pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with warm water as needed.2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon gluten free tamari, 1 teaspoon natural smooth peanut butter, 2 teaspoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 small garlic clove, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and sea salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it softens.⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 bunch kale
- Add the sliced cabbage, green onions, mint, and cilantro to the bowl with the kale. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.1½ cup finely shredded green cabbage, ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro, ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint, 4 scallions, green parts only
- Top with chopped roasted peanuts. Serve immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.¾ cup roasted peanuts
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Notes
- Make sure to massage the kale with your hands with a tablespoon of oil and pinch of salt. This helps to tenderize the kale and makes it easier to eat.
- Kale salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & tag @eatfreshglow on social!
Sophie Williams says
Wow! I'm a 3rd-year college student right now and have been really wanting to step up my healthy eating and homemade meals. I made this one for my roommates and me last night and the bowl was pretty much scraped clean. There is so much flavour in the dressing and the roasted peanuts are a 10/10. I've always stayed away from kale because of its bitterness but after a few minutes of massaging, it was perfect! Completely got rid of all the chewy tough bitter parts. I will definitely be making this one again!
Jacqui Wilson says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the kale salad. A little massaging definitely goes a long way to the perfect salad!