This Chopped Kale Salad is packed with crunchy kale, crisp apples, juicy blueberries, and toasted almonds all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. It is fresh, colorful, and so delicious you will want to make it for every meal.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Chopped Kale Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Chopped Kale Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Kale Salad
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Crispy Kale Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Make This Kale Salad Ahead of Time?
• Do I Have to Massage the Kale?
• What Kind of Apple Works Best?
• Can I Use a Store-Bought Salad Kit?
• Is This Chopped Kale Salad Gluten Free?
• Why Does My Dressing Separate?
• 🍽️ More Amazing Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Chopped Kale Salad Recipe

• Hearty and healthy chopped kale
• Crisp apples
• Juicy blueberries
• Crunchy toasted sliced almonds
• Tossed in a tangy homemade dressing

Chopped kale salads are one of those dishes that somehow satisfies multiple cravings all at once. This one is loaded with crisp apples, juicy blueberries, and crunchy almonds, then tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette that pulls it all together. It is fresh, vibrant, and seriously the most fun way to eat your greens.

I love making a big batch of this kale chopped salad on Sunday for easy lunches during the week. The kale stays hearty enough to hold up even after it is dressed, which makes it awesome for meal prep. If you love a good chopped salad that is packed with fresh flavor and takes hardly any time, you have got to give this one a shot.

This salad is perfect all year round but if you're looking for a wonderful winter or fall-inspired salad, be sure and try my Sweet Potato Kale Salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Chopped Kale Salad

• Kale
• Apple
• Blueberries
• Almonds
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Salad dressing shaker or mixing bowl and whisk
• Salad spinner
• Large salad bowl

🔪 How to Make Kale Salad

To Make the Dressing

Add the dressing ingredients into a salad dressing shaker.  If you don’t have one, you can use a mixing bowl and whisk instead.

Cover and shake or whisk until well combined and emulsified.  Then set aside while you prepare the kale.

To Make the Salad

Wash, dry and chop your kale.  I like to use a salad spinner to help dry it faster.

Add the kale to a large bowl, then pour half the dressing over the top.

Using your hands, toss the kale in the dressing, massaging the dressing into the kale.  This helps to soften the kale and make it much more palatable.

Add the chopped apples over the kale.

Add in the blueberries.

Lastly, add in the toasted sliced almonds and right before serving, pour the remaining dressing over the top.  Toss and serve.

💡 Tips

• Always massage the kale to soften the leaves, it makes the kale much easier to eat.
• Use a salad spinner. Dry kale helps the dressing stick better and keeps the salad crisp.
• Dice the apple right before tossing to prevent them from browning.
• Toast the sliced almonds. It only takes a minute and it brings out way more flavor.
• Make sure your olive oil is good quality. It really makes a difference in a simple salad.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The kale stays hearty and delicious even after sitting. This salad does not freeze well because the fresh ingredients lose their texture.

🍴 What to Serve with Crispy Kale Salad

You can serve this salad with just about any type of main course you prefer. Because it has so many flavors and textures, I like to serve it with a simple protein like Grilled Citrus Chicken or Grilled Shrimp Skewers.

For special occasions or a heartier meal, you could serve this salad with this Pan Seared Filet or this Air Fryer Pesto Salmon.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Pomegranate seeds: Toss in pomegranate seeds when they are in season for a festive twist.

• Cranberries: Sprinkle in dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Cheese: Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese if you like a little creaminess in your chopped kale salad.

• Pears: Swap the apples for pears if they are in season and you want something a little softer.

• Greens: Feel free to swap out the green or throw in some thinly sliced brussels sprouts for even more veggie goodness.

• Protein: Add some grilled chicken or salmon to turn it into a full meal.

• Nut options: Use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds if you want a slightly different crunch.

• Sweeter dressing: If you like a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey to taste.

Can I Make This Kale Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes. Thanks to the hearty kale, you can prep this about a day in advance without it getting soggy.

Do I Have to Massage the Kale?

It is definitely worth the extra minute. Massaging the kale makes it softer, less bitter, and easier to chew.

What Kind of Apple Works Best?

I like Honeycrisp for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, but any firm apple works great.

Can I Use a Store-Bought Salad Kit?

You can if you like, but chopping fresh kale yourself and making your own dressing tastes so much better.

Is This Chopped Kale Salad Gluten Free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten free ingredients like pure olive oil and make sure the almonds are not processed with gluten.

Why Does My Dressing Separate?

If your dressing separates, just shake it up again before pouring. It is normal for homemade dressings to separate over time.

🍽️ More Amazing Salad Recipes

• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Quinoa Salad