For anyone like me always hunting for new, exciting kale salad recipes, this Smokey Kale Salad is a winner. Tender, smoky, and full of flavor, it’s also incredibly satisfying. I like to finish it with a handful of roasted, chopped walnuts for crunch, but feel free to substitute your favorite nut if you prefer. This salad works with many variations and stays delicious either way.
Kale has been popular for good reasons. One cup of kale provides significant nutrients, including:
- 684% of the RDA of Vitamin K
- 206% of the RDA of Vitamin A (from beta-carotene)
- 134% of the RDA of Vitamin C
- 26% of the RDA of Manganese
- 10% of the RDA of Copper
- 9% of the RDA of Vitamin B6, Calcium and Potassium
- 6% of the RDA of Magnesium
- 3% or more of the RDA of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Iron, and Phosphorus
All of that from a single cup. Kale is remarkably nutritious, which is why I’m happy to include it in meals often. Beyond these nutrients, kale offers several health benefits:
- Contains cancer-fighting compounds
- High in antioxidants
- Excellent source of Vitamin K
- May help lower cholesterol
- Good source of Vitamin C
- High in lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health
- Rich in beta-carotene
- Provides important minerals
- Low in calories, which can support weight management
Kale makes up about eighty percent of my Smokey Kale Salad, so each serving delivers plenty of superfood benefits alongside great flavor. Enjoy this salad for lunch or dinner to feed your body with vitamins and minerals while savoring a satisfying, savory dish.
Below are the photos of the process and ingredients I used to make this recipe:
Paleo-friendly turkey bacon before baking:
Paleo-friendly turkey bacon fresh from the oven:
Minced garlic before sautéing:
Fragrant garlic after cooking:
Sautéed kale with bacon pieces in the skillet:
The finished Smokey Kale Salad:
The full recipe is below, along with notes and tips to make it easy and delicious. While in New York City this week I found myself ordering kale at many restaurants and never being disappointed—restaurants are increasingly health-conscious, and kale appears on more menus than ever. One standout was ABC Kitchen, where a simple, well-executed kale dish made a big impression.
I plan to keep enjoying kale all summer—its hearty texture and bright flavor pair perfectly with warm weather meals. Summer is nearly here: sunshine, bikes, parks, BBQs, patios…bring it on.
If you have summer recipe ideas or specific dishes you’d like to see, leave a comment so I can create recipes you’ll enjoy.
Smokey Kale Salad
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- Author: Mariel Lewis
- Total Time: 46 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This easy Smokey Kale Salad is comforting, savory, and healthy—perfect for lunch or dinner and great for sharing with family.
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
- 1/2 lemon, juice of (for serving)
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with foil and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
- Place bacon strips on the lined baking pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, allow to cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add coconut oil and cook the minced garlic, stirring frequently, until golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add the chopped kale, sea salt, and black pepper; sauté until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the vegetable broth, coconut sugar, red pepper flakes, and bacon. Sauté, stirring, until the broth has mostly evaporated (about 3 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 36 mins
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Other Paleo Kale recipes you’ll love:
- 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
* Source: authority nutrition research on kale benefits.
