Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds

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

A refreshing salad featuring massaged kale, zesty citrus dressing, and crunchy toasted nuts. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs kale, orange, lemon 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 245 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 245 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove stems from 10 oz kale and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Massage vigorously for 2 minutes until leaves soften and darken in color.
  2. Step 2: Zest 1 lemon and juice both 2 oranges and 1 lemon. Whisk together zest, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion and add to the kale with 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, drizzle with remaining dressing and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds?

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 Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds?

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 Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Fresh Citrus-Kale Salad with Toasted Almonds?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes