Many people—myself included—are always on the lookout for fresh, exciting kale salad recipes. If that sounds like you, this Smokey Kale Salad is worth trying. Tender, smoky, and full of flavor, it’s a satisfying dish that I like to finish with roasted chopped walnuts for a pleasant crunch. If you prefer a different nut or need to avoid walnuts, swap in your favorite alternative—the salad works well either way.
Kale has been celebrated for good reason. One cup of raw kale delivers impressive nutrients, including very high amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C, and a range of minerals like manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. These nutrients make kale an excellent everyday vegetable to include in your meals.
Beyond those vitamins and minerals, kale offers several health benefits:
- Contains compounds linked to reduced cancer risk
- High in antioxidants that help protect cells
- An outstanding source of vitamin K
- Can support healthy cholesterol levels
- A solid source of vitamin C
- Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health
- High in beta-carotene
- Provides a variety of essential minerals
- Low in calories, which can support weight management
In this recipe kale makes up most of the salad—about eighty percent—so when you serve this Smokey Kale Salad you’re getting a big dose of nutrient-dense greens. It makes a great lunch or a hearty side for dinner, and it tastes fantastic: savory, slightly smoky, and brightened with lemon at the end.
Below are the photos of steps and ingredients I used while preparing the salad:
Paleo-friendly turkey bacon before baking:
Turkey bacon fresh from the oven:
Minced garlic before cooking:
Garlic after briefly sautéing:
Sautéed kale with bacon pieces in the skillet:
The finished Smokey Kale Salad:
Below is the full recipe for this simple, flavorful salad. It’s paleo-friendly and great for a quick, nourishing meal.
Smokey Kale Salad
This easy-to-make Smokey Kale Salad is comforting, savory and healthy. It’s a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s perfect for anyone who loves hearty greens.
Ingredients
- 2 large bundles of dino kale, chopped
- 1/2 head garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, for serving
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with foil and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the bacon strips on the lined pan and bake for about 15 minutes. There’s no need to flip them. Remove from oven, let cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot, about 3–5 minutes. Add the coconut oil and then the minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the garlic turns golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet with a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until it becomes slightly tender, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, add the coconut sugar, red pepper flakes, and the chopped bacon. Continue to sauté and stir until the broth has mostly evaporated, roughly 3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each portion.
Prep time: about 10 minutes. Cook time: about 36 minutes. Total time: approximately 46 minutes. Yields about 2 servings.
This salad is perfect on its own or as a side. If you want extra crunch, add roasted chopped walnuts or your preferred nut. The lemon at the end brightens the smoky, savory notes from the bacon and sautéed garlic, making every bite balanced and flavorful.
Enjoy experimenting with this Smokey Kale Salad all season long. If you’re looking for more kale-based ideas, try pairing it with roasted squash, roasted pepitas, or citrus vinaigrettes to vary textures and flavors while keeping things nutritious.
Other paleo kale recipes you might enjoy:
- Turmeric Cauliflower Kale Salad with Roasted Pepitas
- Massaged Kale and Roasted Squash Winter Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
- 43 Paleo Recipes that Prove Kale Doesn’t Suck
- Kale and Golden Beets Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
- Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
- Dino Kale Super Salad
