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This is one of those really really simple recipes I've shared a hundred times on Facebook and in my newsletter, etc, but for some reason, it's never made it into a blog post.

I think maybe I thought it was too simple to be a recipe to share here? That the recipes here needed to be some gourmet creation that put me on par with the great food bloggers (ha!).

Whatevs.

I need to get over myself and post recipes that you guys will actually want to make and eat, eh? Including ones that take approximately 5 minutes to make and can be done at that last minute when you are scrambling to feed the dog, get the kids' homework off the table and away from any food stains, and figure out exactly WHERE said kids are. Scratch that, you probably can tell by the sound of bickering coming from a few rooms away.

Kale is one of those green things that everyone always says you should eat because it's so healthy for you, but I know that some people just don't like the taste of it. This salad has enough of a tang from lime juice and flavor from the sesame oil to cover much of the taste of the kale, so it might be a good way for kale-haters to get their greens in.

My kids eat it with fervor. Well, they pick out the cranberries first and eat them, then they eat the rest, so I take that to mean they like it.

Kale is also a great multi-seasonal item. It grows well in all sorts of weather, which also makes it pretty inexpensive. Even more so if you can grow it yourself!

So here's the recipe – hope you enjoy!

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Kale Salad with Cranberries and Almonds Recipe

If you make this salad, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!

Kale Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Author: Michele Spring

Servings:

A 10-minute kale salad that can be made when you are super busy. Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. This side dish recipe goes with everything!

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Ingredients

1 bunch Kale
1/4 cup Dried Cranberries (use fruit-juice sweetened for Whole30)
1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
1 tbs Sesame Oil
1/4 cup Macadamia Nut or Avocado Oil
Juice of 1 Lime (about 1 tbs)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cut the kale into small pieces, removing the particularly thick stems. Massage the kale for several minutes (this helps soften the kale and makes it easier to eat).
Add the rest of the ingredients and toss.

Notes

This salad is one of those that you can completely make ahead of time and it doesn’t seem to get all soggy. By nature, it is already sort of a soggy salad, but the kale holds up and doesn’t disinegrate.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minutes or less, Paleo, salad, side, Whole30

Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below or share a photo on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune !

36 Comments

Newer Comments →

Jessica DeMay on March 24, 2017 at 5:56 pm

Sometimes (usually) simple is best! This salad looks so delicious!
- Michele on March 28, 2017 at 11:49 am
  
  Thanks Jessica. Yeah, need to make that my mantra. 🙂
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! on March 24, 2017 at 11:13 am

This sounds absolutely delish, I’ve never tried macadamia nut oil before but I have a hunch it’s going to be instant addiction!
- Michele on March 28, 2017 at 11:49 am
  
  Thanks Kari! It sure is yummy!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish on March 24, 2017 at 9:56 am

Oh this sounds so good! I LOVE salads with fruit – any kind, dried or fresh, they’re my favorite! I love that your kids pick out the cranberries first and eat them, then eat the rest lol 🙂
- Michele on March 28, 2017 at 11:50 am
  
  Yeah, my kids are fruit nuts. They sure crack me up! 🙂
Victoria on March 23, 2017 at 9:27 am

This sounds incredible! I can’t wait to make it! I love massaged kale salads but my friends’ recipes are so loosey-goosey that I’m too scared to make them (I’m a follow-the-directions kind of gal).
- Michele on March 23, 2017 at 11:56 am
  
  haha, thanks Victoria! Being a follow-the-directions gal probably keeps you out of a lot of disgusting meal trouble! 🙂
Cheryl on March 23, 2017 at 9:27 am

Ooooh, sesame oil and lime?! How funky! I usually just make a similar salad with lemon juice and olive oil. Boring. I can’t wait to try this! We are massive kale eaters
- Michele on March 23, 2017 at 11:54 am
  
  Thanks Cheryl! Lemon juice and olive oil sounds great too, but yeah, good to change it up!
Kelly Bejelly on March 21, 2017 at 2:37 pm

I love this blog post and recipe so much! You’re right, sometimes the most delicious recipes are also the simplest. I thought the reaction of your kids were lovely.
- Michele on March 23, 2017 at 11:53 am
  
  Thanks Kelly! My kids can easily be influenced by cranberries, ha!
Carrie Forrest on March 21, 2017 at 2:23 pm

I love how easy, fast and simple this salad can be prepared. Great job!
- Michele on March 23, 2017 at 11:52 am
  
  Thanks Carrie!
Hannah Healy on March 21, 2017 at 2:18 pm

What a lovely salad you have here. I have no doubt it looks as good as it tastes.
- Michele on March 23, 2017 at 11:52 am
  
  Thanks Hannah!
Stacey Crawford on March 20, 2017 at 11:25 am

This looks awesome! Cranberries and nuts should be on every salad!
- Michele on March 28, 2017 at 11:51 am
  
  Thanks Stacey!
Renee Kohley on March 20, 2017 at 10:56 am

I love lime on my salads! I want to try macadamia nut oil – I have never had it!
- Michele on March 28, 2017 at 11:52 am
  
  It’s really good! Not too much flavor, but just enough to make it taste great.