Let's talk about kale salad for a minute (made from kale, Brassica oleracea var. sabellica, a leafy green in the brassica family).
Picture us sitting at a table filled with greens, wondering what magical sides could improve this meal.
It can get a bit boring, right? We've tried everything from roasted veggies to a good ol' grilled cheese, and everything deserves a sidekick.
Let's make our kale salad shine by pairing it with dishes that pop, crunch, and pleasantly surprise our palate! Get ready for some tasty picks that are easy to whip up and will make us look like total kitchen wizards!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Kale Salad
Here are some of the best dishes to serve with your kale salad:
1 - Lemon Herb Chicken
It combines juicy chicken breasts with a bright zing from the lemon and a pop of freshness from herbs; find bright dessert pairings for lemon cakes.
We love to season ours with garlic, thyme, and rosemary for that extra flavor kick.
This dish can be grilled or baked; both methods keep the chicken tender and full of taste.
Pair it with kale salad for a refreshing contrast (kale salad's earthy, slightly bitter notes).
The result? A dish that screams simple yet satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner!
2 - Blackened Salmon
Blackened salmon is our go-to for a quick and flavorful side; find bold sides for blackened fish.
We use a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for that zesty kick.
The key ingredients? Salmon fillets (a fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids), spices, and olive oil.
We usually let the fish sit in the spice blend while we get the grill going.
The char from cooking adds a nice crispness. It balances perfectly with kale salad, bringing freshness and depth.
We've shared this dish with friends, and they keep asking for seconds.
3 - Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Stuffed portobello mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are a fun alternative to meat. They're filling and satisfying, plus they can hold a ton of flavor.
We usually fill them with a mix of cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and breadcrumbs for a creamy, savory treat; see complementary sides for spinach-stuffed chicken.
After roasting, these mushy caps become a warm, gooey explosion.
The umami from the mushrooms really shines through, complementing the creamy filling perfectly. Each bite brings a nice blend of textures.
Whenever we serve these, our friends can't resist going back for seconds. They're just that good!
4 - Maple-Glazed Salmon
Maple-glazed salmon is a fantastic way to improve any meal. It combines the rich, buttery taste of salmon (a fatty fish high in omega-3s) with a sweet, sticky maple glaze.
We usually whip it up using soy sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic for an unexpected flavor layer.
Cooking this salmon can be done on the grill or in the oven. The caramelization from the glaze adds both sweetness and a tangy kick.
We love serving this alongside kale salad. The flavors balance well and create a delicious plate that could wow any guest.
5 - Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Mediterranean quinoa bowl is a flavour-packed side dish we can't get enough of; find essential Mediterranean sides to brighten meals.
The lemony dressing ties everything together with a zesty kick (use a 3:1 olive oil-to-lemon ratio). Each bite is a pop of freshness, with the creamy feta adding richness.
We love it as a delicious companion to kale salad, improving our meals effortlessly.
6 - Pesto Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a flavorful solution for any meal. They combine juicy chicken, pesto, and fresh veggies for an exciting dish.
We use boneless chicken pieces, store-bought or homemade pesto (made with basil, Ocimum basilicum), cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. The earthy basil of the pesto goes with the chicken so well.
After grilling, the skewers emerge with a toasty finish. Each bite brings tenderness with that herby kick.
We've had these at backyard barbecues where they disappear faster than our last slice of pizza! They go well with kale salad for a refreshing contrast.
7 - Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
Stuffed portobello mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are absolutely fantastic. They're filling and full of flavor.
We love using cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and breadcrumbs for the stuffing.
The combination creates a creamy and savory filling that oozes out when you take a bite.
Roasting brings out the rich umami of the mushrooms, making them a great meat option.
We often serve these at gatherings, and they vanish faster than we can say "seconds!"
8 - Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
Balsamic glazed pork chops are a juicy and tender choice. They combine the rich flavor of pork with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction (traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena gives the best depth).
We like to marinate them with garlic, rosemary, and brown sugar for extra depth. Cooking them on the grill brings out that smoky goodness.
These chops taste fantastic alongside kale salad. Each bite balances perfectly with the salad's crunch.
It's a tasty duo that never lets us down.
9 - Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash (a winter squash, Cucurbita pepo) is our go-to for cozy meals. It's sweet, earthy, and hearty.
We typically fill it with a mix of quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, and spices.
The nutty flavors go well with the squash's natural sweetness. The crunch from walnuts adds a nice texture to it.
We've made this dish for friends, and everyone loves it. It's simply satisfying and reminds us of fall.
Each bite is filled with warmth and flavour.
10 - Spicy Chickpea Stew
We enjoy spicy chickpea stew for its warmth and heartiness. It combines chickpeas (garbanzo beans, high in protein), tomatoes, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander for a flavorful punch.
This dish is rich and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings. We often add spinach for an extra dose of greens, improving both texture and flavor.
The stew is easy to whip up and becomes even better the next day. Our friends love it when we serve it with crusty bread on the side.
It's a cozy, pleasant meal for gathering.
11 - Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled shrimp tacos are a total crowd-pleaser. They're zesty, fresh, and easy to whip up.
We toss shrimp in a mix of lime juice, cumin, and garlic, giving them a bright, citrusy flavor.
Every bite bursts with juiciness thanks to the shrimp. We love adding crunchy cabbage and a drizzle of creamy sauce for texture.
These tacos disappear quickly at gatherings. Our friends always come back for more!
12 - Lemon Garlic Pasta
Lemon garlic pasta is a quick and bright side dish we adore. It features a bright zing from fresh lemon juice and zest, combined with rich garlic flavor.
We whip it together using simple ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of parmesan (use about 2 tablespoon lemon juice per 8 oz pasta).
The pasta becomes coated in a light, silky sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. Every bite is refreshing, making it a great pairing with heartier meals.
We often prepare it when friends pop over for a casual dinner. It disappears faster than we can say, "more cheese, please!"
13 - Grilled Chicken and Avocado
Grilled chicken and avocado is the ultimate quick meal. It's full of juicy flavor and creamy goodness.
We simply marinate chicken in lime juice, cumin, and garlic for zing (marinate about 30 minutes).
Toss in avocado slices for that velvety bite.
The key ingredients include boneless chicken breast, ripe avocados, and spices. The combination is bright and satisfying.
We love serving it over a bed of greens.
It's fresh, filling, and easy to whip up for friends!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
