This kale salad keeps really well in your fridge so it’s perfect for healthy eating all week! The honey Dijon dressing softens the kale perfectly.
This kale salad is perfect for those of you who do weekend meal prep. It keeps so well in the fridge, and I’d argue it gets even better as time goes by (to a reasonable extent, of course). The kale softens and becomes more tender, thanks to the tangy, sweet honey Dijon dressing. That same dressing soaks into the farro making it super flavorful.
This kale salad will keep you full for hours, perfect to take to work for lunches or as an easy healthy lunch for you, when all your kids want is mac and cheese.
I love to top the salad with my olive oil roasted almonds which add a nice crunchy element. It’s great with grilled chicken or feta cheese, too.
The salad could be made with a different grain, too, such as quinoa, brown rice, or barley.
More Hearty Salad Recipes
Kale Salad with Farro and Honey Dijon Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 6 cups loosely packed torn kale (bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cups cooked and cooled farro (1 ⅓ cup uncooked farro)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup coarsely shredded or julienned carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste
Optional toppings:
- Cooked chicken, roasted almonds, or feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together kale, farro, bell pepper, carrots, and cranberries.
- In a small bowl or a jar, mix together vinegar, honey, mustard, olive oil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix to combine. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is actually better the next day or two because the kale softens a bit.
- To serve, for a main course salad, top with your protein of choice. I recommend almonds, grilled chicken, or feta cheese. The salad can be served as a side dish as is.
Notes
- I typically double the dressing recipe if I’m making the salad ahead. I keep the extra dressing in the fridge and add it to the salad right before serving it. The farro tends to soak up the dressing so the salad tends to get a bit dry.
- Nutrition is calculated without optional toppings.
- There are many ways you can change this salad to fit your preferences or to use what you happen to have in the fridge and pantry. Instead of farro, try quinoa or barley. Different vegetables can be substituted for the carrots and bell pepper. Instead of dried cranberries, try raisins or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I made a grain free version of this as I haven’t introduced grains after my whole 30 yet, but the dressing is fantstic! I really enjoyed it with the cranberries, some chopped chicken, and chopped up nuts on top. And I have enough for a few lunches, which is great! I love make-ahead salads!
I’m so happy to hear that! Kale salads are the best for making ahead, aren’t they? Thanks for taking the time to comment, and congrats on the Whole30! I just finished my second one yesterday. :)
Just yesterday I finished a rubbed kale, apple and faro salad. So good, and I’m looking forward to trying this one. It’s my pick for Recipe of the Day today. Sharing!
Ooh sounds good – love the idea of apples with the kale.
Love enjoying salads for lunch! The honey dressing in this one sounds super delicious! thanks for sharing! pinning to try later.
Thanks! I hope you love it!
:) I got so many texts and messages, lol! Love it!
Yum!!! I can imagine the crunchiness in this salad!
add a little chicken and that would make a fabulous lunch
I have been in such a salad rut, but yesterday I was craving a kale salad. This looks so good Rachel! I’m loving the farro!!
Ahhh thanks! I hope you like it! I love farro with kale because it balances out all the kale chewiness with another chewy element. If that makes sense.