Easy + Loaded Kale Feta Salad Recipe With Walnuts

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH

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This is the only easy kale salad you need! This recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, toasted walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light fragrant date-apple cider dressing. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling.

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The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Kale Feta Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Walnuts

Can I just say that I love this salad very much? Because I do. I’d walk down the aisle with it, ‘til death do us part. Really, it’s one of those perfect side dishes and my go-to salad that makes me want to eat fresh and delicious flavors without a second thought. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! This easy kale feta salad recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Toss with a light, fragrant olive oil, date syrup, apple cider, and Chipotle Salad Dressing for a satisfying taste. YUM!

If you want a fresh side dish or a salad as your meal, look no further! This one comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. SO as my Cobb, pomegranate, and spinach-berry salads.😁

The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

What Are the Benefits of Eating Kale Every Day?

Kale is full of great vitamins like A, C, and K, plus it has plenty of antioxidants and fiber. It’s going to fill you right on up, which will make you less likely to eat more than you should. Another benefit is that it tastes great, and your taste buds will thank you!

Why You Will Love This Kale Feta Salad Recipe:

  • It’s the fastest way to a healthy side dish.
  • Or it could be your new favorite go-to lunch!
  • All those crunchy, toasty walnuts, creamy feta, and other bits create the best flavors and textures together.
  • No one in your family will complain about eating their veggies when you make this!
  • Kale salad is a perfect make-ahead meal; you can meal prep this it the beginning of the week and then add the toppings when you plan to eat. 
  • This kale feta salad had the texture of cucumber, tomatoes, and walnuts!
  • This healthy salad will help you continue your healthy lifestyle journey. 
  • A nutrient-dense meal that your body will thank you for later! 
The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Ingredients for Kale Feta Salad

Additional/Optional Salad Dressing:

  • Homemade Chipotle Salad Dressing (or Hidden Valley Chipotle Salad Dressing)

How to Make Easy Kale Feta Salad from Scratch (Step-by-Step):

Get ready to have the best kale salad with these easy steps!

  1. Gather

    Gather all the ingredients together and make life easier.

  2. Prep

    Prep your veggies by washing them. Then slice your cucumber. With the kale, you can sort it to remove the stems if it’s precut, otherwise, pull the leaves off the stems from the whole kale leaves.

  3. Add Flavor and Toss

    Sprinkle the kale leaves with small amounts of olive oil, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Then, while wearing gloves or using clean hands, gently massage the kale. Your kale leaves will feel a bit wilted after this. Then, follow up with the date syrup and massage it into the kale leaves too. Add the cherry tomatoes, cranberries, or raisins, and 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle salad dressing, if desired. Use tongs and toss together. Finally, taste and adjust as needed.This is the only easy kale salad you need! This recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light fragrant date-apple cider dressing. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling.

  4. Plate/serve and enjoy!

    Place the kale salad into a big(ger) bowl or serving plate, then add the sliced cucumbers, feta cheese, and finish with toasted walnuts. Serve by itself or add meat/fish of choice for a complete meal! You could also add boiled egg(s)!The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Tips/Recipe Notes for Making Kale Salad:

  • This salad doesn’t require any salad dressing, which is why I put it as optional. If my kids are having some, then I make sure to have dressing handy.
  • Why massage the kale? It really helps the leaves wilt a bit and gives it a better flavor.
  • Rinse your pre-washed kale anyway, and let your salad spinner help you remove as much moisture as possible from any kale that you use. 
  • Feel free to add some pepper too if you like, my husband always does. LOL🤣
  • Use goat cheese or blue cheese if no feta available.
  • Date adds a unique taste and sweetness to this recipe, highly recommend. Check out my YouTube Channel to watch how I made this recipe.
The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad?

What to Serve with Kale Salads?

Here is how to make the most delectable oven-baked bacon wrapped chicken breasts recipe without brown sugar. This juicy and nutritious chicken recipe is easy, tasty, and such a crowd-pleaser! Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts is kid-friendly as most kids love everything bacon! The ingredients for oven-baked bacon wrapped chicken breasts are simple. First of all, the chicken is well seasoned and then wrapped with bacon, protecting them from over-drying. In the end, you are left with juicy, tasty chicken breast that you can serve with any side dish.

How to Store Kale Feta Salad Leftovers

You’ll get about 2 to 3 days out of this kale feta salad if you keep it in the fridge, though it’s so easy, it’s no trouble to make it fresh whenever you want it. If you don’t add dressing, then it won’t get soggy and will be just as delish the next day!

Variations and Substitutions

  1. I sometimes add boiled eggs to this salad for added protein in a pinch.
  2. Try other dried fruit varieties if you like, such as apricots.
  3. Heirloom tomatoes would also be amazing with this salad.
  4. No feta? Try blue cheese for a fun twist!
The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Kale Feta Salad FAQs:

What are the ingredients in kale salad?

My kale salad has kale leaves, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, toasted walnuts, date syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried cranberries (or raisins if you’d prefer), and just a hint of salt. It’s utterly simple, and simply divine!

Can you eat raw kale as a salad?

Yes, you can eat raw kale, though make sure you wash it well. Even if it has been pre-washed, rinse and dry it well.

What’s in Chick-fil-A’s kale salad?

The kale salad from Chick-Fil-A contains kale, green cabbage, and roasted almonds that are toasted in a dressing made with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It’s a very popular item on their menu, though dare I say that my kale salad is better? I did, and I’m proud!

How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

If you looked at my recipe instructions and thought I was nuts talking about massaging the kale leaves, there is a reason for it. Taking that step reduces bitterness, and if you’ve found kale too bitter before, give this a try and you will change your mind!

What’s in the kale crunch side?

That kale crunch side salad is filled with kale, roasted almonds, and green cabbage with a vinaigrette dressing of Dijon and apple cider vinegar. Mine has feta and toasted walnuts for a more well-rounded blend of flavors.

Can apple cider vinegar be used for salad dressing?

You can use apple cider vinegar for salad dressing, but I don’t recommend just using this singular ingredient. Take a look at how I make this salad happen below with apple cider vinegar and a few more ingredients.

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The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with walnuts, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Easy + Loaded Kale Feta Salad Recipe With Walnuts

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  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This is the only easy kale salad you need! This recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light fragrant date-apple cider dressing. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups raw kale leaves (pre-cut)
  • 1/3 cup Feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup English Cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
  • 2 tsp date syrup
  • 1 TBS olive oil
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 dried cranberries or raisins
  • Dash of Salt

Additional/Optional salad dressing

  • 1 TBS Homemade Chipotle Salad Dressing (or Hidden Valley Chipotle Salad Dressing) one size-medium wp-image-14428″ src=”https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-300×300.jpg” alt=”This is the only easy kale salad you need! This recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light fragrant date-apple cider dressing. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. ” width=”300″ height=”300″ srcset=”https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-300×300.jpg 300w, https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-150×150.jpg 150w, https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-768×768.jpg 768w, https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-120×120.jpg 120w, https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients-96×96.jpg 96w, https://nkechiajaeroh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Easy-Kale-Feta-Salad-Recipe-Ingredients.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px” />

Instructions

  1. Gather. Gather all the ingredients together and make life easier.
  2. Prep. Prep your veggies by washing them. Then slice your cucumber. With the kale, you can sort it to remove the stems if it’s precut, otherwise, pull the leaves off the stems from the whole kale leaves.
  3. Add Flavor. Sprinkle the kale leaves with small amounts of olive oil, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Then, while wearing gloves or using clean hands, gently massage the kale. Your kale leaves will feel a bit wilted after this. Then, follow up with the date syrup and massage it into the kale leaves too. Add the cherry tomatoes, cranberries, or raisins, and 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle salad dressing, if desired. Use tongs and toss together. Finally, taste and adjust as needed. This is the only easy kale salad you need! This recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, feta cheese, walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light fragrant date-apple cider dressing. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling.
  4. Plate/serve and enjoy! Place the kale salad into a big bowl or serving plate, then add the sliced cucumbers, feta cheese, and finish with toasted walnuts. Serve by itself or add meat/fish of choice for a complete meal!The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

Notes

This salad doesn’t require any salad dressing, which is why I put it as optional. If my kids are having some, then I make sure to have dressing handy.

Why massage the kale? It really helps the leaves wilt a bit and gives them a better flavor.

Rinse your pre-washed kale anyway, and let your salad spinner help you remove as much moisture as possible from any kale that you use.

Feel free to add some pepper, too, if you like.

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More Salads To Try:

Copycat Panera Bread Fuji Apple Salad Recipe. Homemade Fuji apple salad, a Panera bread copycat recipe, is loaded with greens, oven-baked chicken breast, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and blue cheese. Finally, it is topped with apple chips. Panera uses Seneca apples, but I baked these apple chips myself. I initially wanted to make the Fuji apple salad dressing, but after a second thought, I decided to buy the Panera brand. For the greens, I decided to go with arugula because it is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and other vitamins. Also, arugula is a bit spicy and flavorful; I used it in my pomegranate salad. However, Panera Fuji apple salad uses a mix of lettuce. I am a huge believer in going the extra mile whenever you are cooking at home. It gives me immense pleasure to eat well. This homemade fuji apple salad slaps. So much better than the original.

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The only easy kale salad you need! This kale feta salad recipe is packed with crunchy kale leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you love kale, then you will enjoy this healthy salad, but if you are skeptical about kale, then this will change your mind. Though this is a vegetarian salad, you can still add meat or fish of your choice to make it more filling. This salad comes together in minutes, and if you know you need to eat more veggies but are tired of the same old stuff, this one is going to make you love salad. It’s such a rewarding bowl of goodness, and I’m here to help you get it on your table tonight! What are the ingredients in kale salad? Can you eat raw kale as a salad? What's in Chick-fil-A's kale salad? How do you get the bitterness out of kale salad?

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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