Strawberry kale salad is the perfect summer salad. In California, where I live, produce is pretty much available all year round, but there is nothing like a summer strawberry it gives me that extra summery feel. They are bright red, sweet, and juicy—the perfect kind of fruit. I never thought of adding strawberries to a salad, until recently. I saw a strawberry spinach salad and decided to create my own version. In today’s recipe, I am using baby kale and avocado with crumbled goat cheese and crunchy pistachios. I think you are going to love the combination of sweet strawberries and the maple vinaigrette it makes for a delicious salad!
Here’s what you need to make this strawberry kale salad:
First, let’s talk about kale. There are many varieties out there like curly kale or lacinato kale, but today I’m using baby kale. These tender greens have smaller leaves with a softer texture than the hearty kale you might be used to. I was lucky to have found a pre-washed bag at Trader Joe’s, but you can find it at your local store, farmer’s market, or wherever you buy fresh produce. If you don’t love fresh kale then feel free to use spinach, romaine, or arugula. You’re going to need about 2 bags of the pre-washed baby kale or about 6 cups chopped.
Next, fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe. Even though I live in Los Angeles, where summer produce is available year-round, the strawberries in the summer are still so much better than they are in December. The juicy strawberries I picked up last week were so delicious I couldn’t wait to make this strawberry salad. You will need a pint of strawberries.
You also will need 2 ripe avocados and 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese. As much as I love goat cheese, it’s not for everyone. My husband actually detests it. So you can substitute the goat cheese and try creamy feta or even blue cheese would be good. Lastly, you’ll need a quarter of a cup of pistachios. I absolutely love the nutty crunch from the pistachios, but you could try toasting raw almonds or sunflower seeds would also be good here.
What’s in the maple balsamic vinaigrette?
The homemade dressing is so easy and tastes so good, that it’s worth the few minutes it takes to make. You are going to need about 3 garlic cloves, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. If you don’t want your salad to have a brown tint to it, from the balsamic vinegar, try using white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar will work in the dressing. All of them have a fantastic flavor that works well in this salad.
Here’s how to make this easy strawberry kale salad:
This delicious salad is pretty simple to throw together any day of the week. You can make it for a crowd or just yourself -adjust the ingredients as needed. Begin by making the maple balsamic vinaigrette. Add all the ingredients except for the olive oil to a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together, and then while still whisking add in the olive oil and whisk until fully combined. Set the salad dressing aside.
After the dressing is done, slice the strawberries, and dice the avocados. Now it’s time to assemble the salad.
Using a large bowl, add the baby kale or chopped kale if you didn’t buy the bagged kind. Add a little bit of dressing and toss so that the leaves are slightly coated and not dry. Now add the strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios. Toss everything together, top with more dressing, and serve it up!
Some things to add to this strawberry kale salad recipe!
This healthy salad is perfect just as is but, you might like to add some sliced red onion or your favorite protein. Grilled chicken would be delicious in this fresh salad making it a complete meal or main dish. Adding cooked quinoa is a great way to add a meat-free protein that would also work in this flavorful salad. Consider fresh mint or basil as a herb to garnish it with. While I love how the pistachios add the perfect amount of crunch you could omit the nuts altogether if there is a nut allergy.
Other salads you might like:
Pasta Salad with Spinach tossed with Soy Ginger Vinaigrette
Strawberry Kale Salad
Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios tossed with tender baby kale in a maple balsamic vinaigrette make the perfect summer salad.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Baby Kale (2 bags of pre-washed)
- 1 pint strawberries, stems removed & sliced
- 1-2 avocados, peeled, pitted, diced
- 4oz (1/2 cup) crumbled Goat cheese or Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Pistachios or sunflower seeds
Ingredients for Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps maple syrup
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste (about 1/4 tsp of each)
Instructions
- Begin by making the dressing.
In a small bowl, add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
While whisking slowly add the olive oil. Mix until fully combined.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
1. Using a large bowl add kale and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine.
2. Add strawberries, avocados, goat cheese and pistachios.
3. Toss again and serve.
Notes
- If you don’t love kale then feel free to use spinach, romaine, or arugula.
- If you don't like goat cheese you can substitute feta cheese or mild blue cheese.
- The balsamic vinegar will give your salad a brown tint, if you don't like the appearance you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
