Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

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

Tender kale massaged with olive oil, topped with salty feta and a tangy balsamic dressing. This mediterranean-inspired keto (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 10 minutes pairs chopped kale, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 312 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 312 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Massage 2 cups chopped kale with 1/2 tbsp olive oil for 2 minutes until tender and dark green.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard, pinch salt, and pinch black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over massaged kale and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic 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 Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic 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 chopped kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic 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 Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Massaged Kale and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette vegetarian?

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

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