Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Massaged kale with toasted walnuts and a bright lemon dressing, topped with crumbled feta. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan-friendly) ready in about 10 minutes pairs kale, walnut, feta cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and massage with hands for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make vinaigrette.
  3. Step 3: Pour vinaigrette over massaged kale and toss until evenly coated. Top with 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crisp Kale and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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