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MEDITERRANEAN KALE SALAD

Mediterranean inspired Greek Kale Salad loaded with fresh kale and veggies is hearty, healthy and so easy to make!

top down view of mediterranean kale salad in a black bowl.

This vegan Mediterranean Kale Salad recipe is simple, accessible, not too expensive and good for you!

Loaded with red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, olive, tomato and chickpea, and dressed up with a light vinaigrette and nice dollop of hummus, it’s so colorful healthy and delicious.

Summer in California is really setting in, the temperatures are rising and salads are always welcome on these hot days!

Similar to the Everyday Nourish Bowl, we now have another option of whole hearted goodness, with the flavors of the mediterranean, to choose from when a craving for salads occur!

top down view of ingredients for mediterranean kale salad on a wooden plate.

Ingredients you’ll Need

  • kale
  • lemon
  • red bell pepper
  • red onion
  • cucumber
  • cherry tomatoes
  • kalamata olives
  • chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • hummus, optional (but so good!)
  • parsley

Vinaigrette

  • red wine vinegar
  • lemon
  • dijon mustard
  • dried oregano, optional
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Tips & Variations

  • The dollop of hummus was an after thought, and a delicious addition to the salad. Although It adds such nice creaminess and rounds out the salad well.
  • If you find raw kale too hard to eat, even after letting it relax in lemon juice, a dollop of hummus will definitely do a world of good for you. It will help mask some of kale’s bitterness.
  • In place of red wine vinegar, try subbing with apple cider or white wine vinegar.
  • This dressing for this mediterranean kale salad can easily be made oil free by using replacing it with lemon juice, vinegar or water.

top down view of kale marinating with lemon in a stainless steel bowl.

How To Make Mediterranean Kale Salad

  • Marinate the kale, this is also known as massaging kale. Remove the stems from the center of the kale leaves, julienne the kale leaves and place in a medium size bowl, with the juice of 1 large lemon, toss to coat the leaves and let set while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. The lemon juice will help soften the kale leaves, at least 10 – 15 minutes is good. Toss every few minutes or so to incorporate the lemon juice.

top down, side by side pic of dressing for mediterranean kale salad next to photo of sliced veggies.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon dijon, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper until emulsified. It usually takes me about one minute, set aside.
  • Once you’ve prepped your other ingredients you’re ready to assemble your kale salad. In a serving dish, add kale and top with bell pepper, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and chickpeas. Add your vinaigrette over top and a dollop of hummus anywhere you like.

And there you have it, a delicious and refreshing, healthy, vegan kale salad for lunch, dinner or make ahead meal!

How To Store

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, either tossed with the dressing or kept separate.

side angle view of black bowl with serving of healthy mediterranean kale salad.

More Healthy Salad Recipes

If you try this easy kale recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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MEDITERRANEAN KALE SALAD

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

A healthy Greek kale salad with chickpeas, olives and other mediterranean flavors. Dressing can be made oil-free!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 1
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and julienned
  • 1 large lemon, juice of
  • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/8 small red onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half or campari tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • dollop of hummus, optional (but so good!), to serve
  • fresh chopped parsley, to serve

Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar is ok too)
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 heaping teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, optional
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Marinate the kale: Remove the stems from the center of the kale leaves, as least the thickest parts. Julienne kale leaves and place in a medium size bowl, add lemon juice, mix to coat the leaves and let set while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. The lemon juice will help soften the kale leaves. Toss every few minutes or so.

Dressing: In a small bowl, add the ingredients for the vinaigrette. Whisk together until emulsified. It usually takes me about one minute, set aside.

Assemble: Once you’ve prepped your other ingredients you’re ready to assemble your salad. In a serving dish, add kale and top with bell pepper, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and chickpeas. Add your vinaigrette over top and a dollop of hummus anywhere you like.

Serves 2

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days in a covered container.

Notes

Depending on the size of your produce, amounts will vary. Adjust accordingly to suit your taste and situation. For instance, I used small Persian cucumbers here but used a whole small one. Typically, you’ll be using a regular or English cucumber and will only use about 1/4 of it, as per the recipe.

Make the dressing oil-free by omitting the oil and adding a little extra lemon juice, vinegar or water.

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11 Comments

  1. Such a bright and tasty salad! This recipe is my new favorite thing! 🥰






  2. I absolutely hate kale, so I subbed spinach. This is now my go-to salad dressing!






  3. coconutandberries says:

    I think I'm the chickpea's biggest fan so can't wait for the book!
    This salad is exactly my kind of thing too :D

  4. Filipino Food says:

    I think this is perfect salad for summer. I would like to try this my family :)

  5. Shannon Leparski says:

    Hi Julie! What a perfect cookbook idea! Chickpeas are heavenly :) They seriously go with anything and everything. I'll be making this salad ASAP

  6. Millie l Add A Little says:

    Cannot wait for the cookbook Julie! It's right up my street and I know it's going to be awesome!
    The salad looks fantastic too :)

  7. Ana's Rocket Ship says:

    A chickpea cookbook? Well that's good because i have 12 cans in the cupboard…

    1. julie@thesimpleveganista says:

      12 cans! You are definitely ready for this cookbook, and this salad!. :)

  8. Meredith @ Unexpectedly Magnificent says:

    I love chickpeas, too! I think it's awesome that you're writing a book about them. :) This salad looks delicious! So many different flavors and consistencies.

    1. julie@thesimpleveganista says:

      Thank you Meredith! :)

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