Strawberry Kale Salad with Granola Croutons Recipe

This vibrant Strawberry Kale Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, juicy strawberries, hearty kale, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy homemade granola croutons. The contrasting flavors and textures make every bite an adventure. Tossed together in a tangy homemade lemon Dijon dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a starter for your dinner.

strawberry kale salad with nutty granola croutons recipe

Photos of Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons Recipe

Most of the ingredients for the Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons are easily available at home or any supermarket. However, Tuscan kale, also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur kale, is a specific variety that has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than regular kale. If you cannot find it, regular kale can be used as a substitute. The recipe also calls for whole fennel seeds, which are not commonly used in every households but are worth seeking out for their distinct licorice-like flavor.

Ingredients for Strawberry Kale Salad and Nutty Granola Croutons

Tuscan kale: This variety of kale is more tender and sweet compared to other varieties.

Strawberries: These add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. Fresh is best.

Radishes: They provide a nice crunch and peppery flavor.

Goat cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad.

Olive oil: Used for the dressing and for toasting the granola.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, bright flavor to the dressing.

Smooth Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.

Honey: Used to sweeten the dressing and granola.

Old-fashioned oats: The base for the granola croutons.

Pistachios: These add a unique flavor and crunch to the granola.

Whole almonds: Another crunchy element for the granola.

Sunflower seeds: High in protein and give more crunch to the granola.

Sesame seeds: Gives the granola a nice, nutty flavor.

Fennel seeds: These impart a unique, licorice-like flavor to the granola.

One reader, Any Levin says:

I recently tried the strawberry kale salad with nutty granola croutons recipe, and it was a delightful surprise! The combination of fresh strawberries, crunchy kale, and nutty granola was a burst of flavors and textures. The dressing tied everything together perfectly. It's now my go-to healthy and delicious salad option. Highly recommended!

Any Levin

Essential Techniques for Making Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons

How to make the granola: Combine oats, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Stir in beaten egg white, oil, and honey. Transfer mixture to a baking sheet and bake until golden, stirring halfway through.

How to make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

How to prepare the kale: Remove the tough ribs from the kale and chop the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the kale and massage the leaves until they are darker in color and fragrant.

How to assemble the salad: Drizzle in the salad dressing and toss well. Add the sliced strawberries and chopped radishes, then crumble the goat cheese over the salad. Sprinkle with granola and let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons

Add a healthier twist to your strawberry kale salad by adding nutty granola croutons for a flavorful breakfast with a crunchy and delectable taste.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozTuscan kale
½ ozstrawberries
5radishes
2 ⅓ ozgoat cheese chilled
3Tbspolive oil
2Tbsplemon juice
1Tbspsmooth Dijon mustard
1 ½ tsphoney
sea salt
pepperfreshly ground , to taste
1cupold-fashioned oats
½ cup pistachios raw shelled or walnuts or pecans
½ cup whole almonds
½ cup sunflower seedsraw
¼ cup sesame seedsraw
1Tbspfennel seeds
½ tspsea saltfine-grain
¼ tspcayenne pepper
1large egg white
¼ cup olive oil
1Tbsphoney or agave nectar

Instructions

To make the granola:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, toss the oats, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Stir in the beaten egg white, oil, and honey or agave nectar until well blended. Transfer mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring halfway, until golden, about 16 to 19 minutes. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet.

To make the dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey until emulsified. Season with a dash of sea salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

To prepare the kale:

Use a chef’s knife to remove the tough ribs from the kale, then discard the ribs. Chop the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces.
Transfer the chopped kale to a big salad bowl. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the kale and massage the leaves with your hands by lightly scrunching big handfuls at a time, until the leaves are darker in color and fragrant.

To assemble the salad:

Drizzle in the salad dressing and toss well, until all of the kale is lightly coated in dressing. Add the sliced strawberries and chopped radishes, then use a fork to crumble the goat cheese over the salad.
Toss again, then sprinkle with a couple of handfuls of granola. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 4863.25kcal
Fat: 457.30g
Saturated Fat: 60.09g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 277.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 101.40g
Carbohydrates: 143.31g
Fiber: 58.15g
Sugar: 31.11g
Protein: 102.80g
Cholesterol: 13.04mg
Sodium: 2019.59mg
Calcium: 2135.29mg
Potassium: 3847.02mg
Iron: 38.03mg
Vitamin A: 431.09µg
Vitamin C: 99.16mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting This Strawberry Kale Salad Recipe

When massaging the kale, ensure you do it gently and for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves start to soften and wilt. This process helps break down the tough cell structure and gives the kale a softer texture and a gentler flavor. It also makes the kale easier to digest and the nutrients easier for your body to absorb.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Kale Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the granola croutons and salad dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use pre-washed kale: Opt for pre-washed and chopped kale to skip the step of washing and chopping the kale leaves.

Multi-task: While the granola is baking, prepare the salad dressing and chop the strawberries and radishes to maximize efficiency.

Invest in quality tools: Invest in a good chef's knife and salad spinner to make prepping the ingredients quicker and more efficient.

Organize your workspace: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed to streamline the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons Recipe

tuscan kale - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild flavor and tender texture, making it a suitable substitute for tuscan kale in salads.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, making them a great alternative in salads.
radishes - Substitute with jicama: Jicama provides a similar crunchy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that can work well in place of radishes in salads.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor and crumbly texture that can replace goat cheese in salads.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a versatile substitute for olive oil in salad dressings.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice and can be used as a substitute in salad dressings.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor and texture, making it a suitable replacement for dijon mustard in dressings.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a sweet, earthy flavor that can replace honey in dressings and granola croutons.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can provide a similar texture and nutty flavor to oats in granola croutons.
pistachios - Substitute with cashews: Cashews offer a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor that can replace pistachios in granola croutons.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar crunch and nutty flavor to almonds, making them a suitable substitute in granola croutons.
sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to sunflower seeds in granola croutons.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds can offer a similar crunch and nutritional benefits as sesame seeds in granola croutons.
fennel seeds - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy, slightly sweet flavor that can replace fennel seeds in granola croutons.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for sea salt in recipes, providing a similar level of salinity.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for black pepper in recipes.
egg white - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to a similar consistency as egg whites and used in granola croutons.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil in granola croutons, providing a hint of coconut flavor.

How to Beautifully Present This Strawberry Kale Salad

Elevate the kale: Arrange the kale leaves in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly distributed and create a vibrant base for the salad.
Artfully place the strawberries and radishes: Carefully position the sliced strawberries and chopped radishes around the kale, creating a visually striking contrast of colors and textures.
Crumble the goat cheese delicately: Gently crumble the goat cheese over the salad, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds a touch of creaminess to each bite.
Drizzle the dressing with precision: Use a steady hand to drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring it is evenly dispersed and adds a burst of flavor to each component.
Sprinkle the nutty granola croutons: Sprinkle the nutty granola croutons over the salad, paying attention to even distribution and creating a delightful crunch in every bite.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Nutty Granola Crouton Salads

Chef's knife: A versatile and essential tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
Rimmed baking sheet: Used for baking the granola and ensuring that the ingredients stay contained while in the oven.
Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together the ingredients for the salad dressing.
Big salad bowl: Used for assembling and tossing the salad ingredients together.
Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the salad dressing ingredients and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Fork: Used for crumbling the goat cheese over the salad and tossing the salad ingredients together.
Food processor: Optional for chopping the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces for the salad.
Mixing bowl: Used for tossing the granola ingredients together before baking.

Interesting Trivia About Kale Salads with Granola Croutons

The recipe's nutty granola croutons add a delightful crunch to the salad, providing a unique texture and flavor contrast.

Is Making Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons Cost-Effective?

This strawberry kale salad with nutty granola croutons recipe offers a high level of cost-effectiveness. The ingredients, such as kale, strawberries, and nuts, are generally affordable and widely available. The salad is a nutritious and satisfying option, making it a great value for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is This Kale Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This strawberry kale salad with nutty granola croutons is a nutritious and delicious recipe that offers a balance of healthy ingredients. Here's why:

Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber
Strawberries provide vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants
Goat cheese offers protein and calcium
The homemade granola contains healthy fats from nuts and seeds, fiber from oats, and protein from egg whites
The dressing is made with heart-healthy olive oil, lemon juice for vitamin C, and Dijon mustard for flavor without added sugars

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of olive oil in the granola and dressing to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Use a low-fat goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative like tofu or avocado for a creamy texture without the saturated fat
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey in the granola and dressing to make it vegan-friendly

To make this salad even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:

Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa, to make it a complete meal
Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor and nutrients
Use a variety of leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, in addition to the kale for a mix of flavors and textures
Experiment with different types of fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, depending on the season and your preferences

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Strawberry Kale Salad

The combination of hearty kale, sweet strawberries, and crunchy granola creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures in this salad. The tangy goat cheese and zesty dressing add a refreshing twist, while the nutty granola croutons provide a satisfying crunch. The granola's blend of oats, nuts, and seeds adds depth and complexity to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements that will surely impress your taste buds.

Enhance Your Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic, butter, and a hint of nutmeg for a comforting side dish.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for a bright and vibrant side dish.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crisp Brussels sprouts roasted to caramelized perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for a delightful side dish.

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of butternut squash, onions, and savory herbs creates a rich and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad: This light and refreshing salad is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The juicy grilled peaches add a sweet and smoky element to the tender grilled chicken, while the crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette tie it all together for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Indulge in a guilt-free dessert with this creamy and decadent chocolate avocado mousse. The ripe avocados provide a velvety texture and subtle flavor, while the rich cocoa powder and sweetener create a luscious treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and refreshing appetizer. Grate fresh zucchini, mix with herbs and spices, then pan-fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful bite-sized treat.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layer juicy mixed berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and satisfying dessert. The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures makes for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh and nutritious ingredients. The kale is packed with essential nutrients, while the strawberries add a burst of sweetness. The homemade granola provides a delightful crunch and is a great source of fiber and healthy fats. The dressing, made with lemon juice and olive oil, enhances the flavors and ties the dish together. With the careful selection of high-quality ingredients and the detailed instructions, this recipe promises a delicious and wholesome dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of kale for this salad?

Yes, you can use other types of kale such as curly kale or red kale if you prefer. Just make sure to remove the tough ribs and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces as directed in the recipe.

Can I make the granola in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the granola ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will save you time when preparing the salad.

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

Of course! If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can easily substitute it with feta, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan. Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the salad.

Can I omit the nuts from the granola if I have a nut allergy?

Yes, you can omit the nuts and increase the quantity of oats or seeds in the granola. You can also experiment with seeds like pumpkin seeds or chia seeds for added crunch and texture.

Can I prepare the kale salad in advance?

While the granola is best made fresh, you can prepare the kale and dressing in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and toss the salad together with the strawberries, radishes, goat cheese, and granola just before serving for the best texture and flavor.