Name: Julienne Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 stalks kale, about 3 handfuls of loose kale; 2 romaine lettuce hearts; 4 oz swiss cheese block; 2 tomatoes; 1 cup castelvetrano olives; ½ lb precooked sliced ham; 1 cup parmesan flakes; Mediterranean Dressing; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup white wine vinegar; 2 tbsp worcestershire; 1 tbsp olive juice, from canned olives; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced

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When it comes to a satisfying salad, the Julienne Kale Salad is a true star of any meal. This delightful dish combines fresh kale and romaine with luscious Swiss cheese, savory ham, and vibrant tomatoes, creating a colorful and nutritious salad that even the pickiest eaters will appreciate. Toss in some briny Castelvetrano olives and crunchy Parmesan flakes, and you’ve got a medley of textures that will make every bite a joy.

I fondly remember the first time I stumbled upon the notion of a Julienne Kale Salad at a local Mediterranean café. The way it dazzled with color and freshness sparked an instant love affair. Not only does this recipe come together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also a great way to use up leftovers while impressing friends and family with its wholesome appeal. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, as it’s packed with flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Julienne Kale Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Julienne Kale Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in a flash!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean dressing creates a burst of flavor with each bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and varied textures make this salad a feast for the eyes, perfect for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this salad as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a refreshing snack!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap the cheese or ham for health-conscious alternatives; it’s versatile and adaptable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 stalks kale (about 3 handfuls of loose kale): Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing fiber and a host of vitamins. For a milder option, you can use baby kale.
2 romaine lettuce hearts: Crisp and refreshing, romaine adds a delightful crunch. If you prefer something a bit sweeter, you could use butter lettuce instead.
4 oz Swiss cheese block: This cheese provides a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Grate it yourself for the best results, or substitute with Gruyere if preferred.
2 tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, tomatoes add color and acidity. Cherry tomatoes work well too, making for easy cutting.
1 cup Castelvetrano olives: These olives offer a sweet, buttery taste. If unavailable, Kalamata or green olives can be substituted.
½ lb precooked sliced ham: Adds heartiness to the salad. Consider using turkey or a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a different flair.
1 cup Parmesan flakes: For a salty, savory finish, use fresh Parmesan. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Mediterranean Dressing: This vibrant dressing pulls everything together.
½ cup extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of your dressing, providing richness. High-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
¼ cup white wine vinegar: A tangy balancing agent; apple cider vinegar can be a good alternative.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth; if vegan, opt for a soy sauce-based substitute.
1 tbsp olive juice (from canned olives): This adds a salty kick. Just a touch of liquid gold!
1 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice enhances flavor; bottled juice can be substituted in a pinch, though fresh is best.
1 tbsp dried oregano: A classic herb in Mediterranean cooking. If you have fresh oregano, feel free to use it instead.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; you may need to adjust depending on saltiness from cheese or ham.
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper: For a bit of heat and flavor brightness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds depth; roasting the garlic beforehand can mellow its sharpness.

How to Make Julienne Kale Salad

Prepare the Dressing: Begin by finely mincing the three garlic cloves. In a mason jar, combine the minced garlic, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon olive juice, juice from one lemon, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. Shake vigorously to mix well. For an even bolder flavor, consider making the dressing a day in advance and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Prepare the Salad: Start by slicing the kale into ½-inch strips and tearing the romaine lettuce into similar-sized pieces. Next, julienne the Swiss cheese, ham, and fresh tomatoes into small strips. In a large mixing bowl, add the kale, romaine, cheese, ham, tomatoes, and the cup of Castelvetrano olives, along with ¾ of the Parmesan flakes. Toss everything gently to combine.
Combine and Serve: Pour half of your homemade dressing over the salad mixture. Toss it well to ensure all the ingredients are coated. Set the remaining dressing aside for serving later. For a finishing touch, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top, creating a gorgeous layer of flavor over your colorful salad.

Stir up the energy in your kitchen and enjoy the wonderful smells while you prepare this vibrant dish!

Storing & Reheating

For best retention, store your leftover Julienne Kale Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad generally keeps well, but the crispness of the kale may soften over time. It’s not advisable to store it at room temperature for extended periods due to the fresh ingredients. If you wish to freeze the salad, you can do so for up to three months, though expect some texture changes. To refresh, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then give it a good toss with some fresh dressing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the salad to keep the greens from wilting.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they’ll provide the biggest flavor boost.
Adjust ingredient ratios to your personal preference—if you love more cheese or tomatoes, go for it!
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal experience.
If you’re making this for a gathering, consider doubling the recipe—it’s sure to be a hit!

Tasting the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in this Julienne Kale Salad is bound to leave you feeling wonderful and uplifted. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of greens in this salad?

Absolutely! While kale and romaine provide a wonderful balance of textures, feel free to experiment with other greens like spinach, arugula, or even mixed spring greens for a fun twist.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To adapt this Julienne Kale Salad to a vegan diet, simply omit the cheese and ham. You can replace the ham with chickpeas or white beans for added protein, and use a plant-based cheese if desired.

What’s the best way to store the leftovers?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To ensure the best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can make the dressing the night before so the flavors meld beautifully. As for the salad itself, I recommend preparing it shortly before serving to keep the kale crisp and fresh.

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