I’ve been obsessed with the Kale and Broccoli Superfood Salad from Whole Foods for the longest time. It’s one of those things I always grab and then immediately wish I had more of. But after one too many pricey excursions, I was determined to recreate it at home so I could enjoy it anytime without the cost adding up. After a little experimenting, I landed on a version that hits all the same crunchy, fresh, slightly sweet notes I love, and now I make it on repeat. It’s great to make ahead for the whole week, and I find that the raw broccoli and kale soften in the dressing as it sits. This is a great salad to keep in the rotation year-round, and I’m sure you’re going to love it.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Superfood Broccoli Kale Salad
- It’s crunchy. It’s vibrant. This healthy salad is packed full of nutrients.
- You can modify this delicious superfood salad with whatever strikes your fancy.
- It ticks all the boxes for dietary restrictions. No dairy, gluten, or added sugar!
- Make a double batch to feed a crowd, and be ready to share the recipe.
- This is a perfect meal prep salad to make on Sunday and enjoy all week long for a quick lunch.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Fresh Broccoli: Chop into bite-sized pieces or buy pre-cut broccoli florets. You could also use broccolini.
- Red Onion: I love the kick of flavor from a red onion, but you can also use a yellow onion or shallot.
- Curly Kale: You’ll want to finely shred the kale, and for this recipe, it’s best if it is meal prepped and it sits for a day.
- Red Cabbage: Finely chop the cabbage for a delicious crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
- Dried Cranberries: A classic touch of sweetness to a broccoli salad that is a must in my opinion.
- Walnuts: I love to toast the walnuts, but you can also use raw or roasted. Toasting the nuts deepens the flavor and adds way more crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Use store-bought mayo or make homemade mayo with delicious results.
- Dijon Mustard: A delicious umami flavor added to the dressing. You can also use spicy Dijon or yellow mustard.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A fresh acidic burst of flavor for the dressing. You can also use white wine vinegar.
- Honey: A little sweetness to balance the umami and acidity.
- Spices: Turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper make a simple combination.
- Chia Seeds: The chia seeds add fiber to this salad recipe, but they are optional.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
Let it Rest
This salad is so much better when it is made a day in advance. It gives the broccoli and kale a chance to soften and become tender.
How to Make This Broccoli Kale Superfood Salad
- After chopping and prepping, combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk together. Taste and adjust as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
How to Modify
- Mix up the veggies with roasted sweet potatoes, green cabbage, shredded brussels sprouts, or shredded carrots.
- Swap half or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a protein punch.
- Add protein like chicken, chickpeas, black beans, or tofu.
- Replace the sweet cranberries with dried blueberries, or omit them if you prefer.
- Use your favorite nuts like pine nuts, crunchy almonds, or buttery pecans.
- Add a little creaminess, like feta cheese or goat cheese.
Dietary Customizations
- Nut-Free: Switch out or add to the nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch.
- Vegan: Use a vegan mayonnaise and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Serving Suggestions
With some added protein, this is a complete meal, but it’s also the perfect side dish served alongside Bone-In Ribeye Steak with Compound Butter, Pork Medallions with Onions and Mushrooms, Grilled Chicken, or Orange Salmon.
If you want to serve this along with fresh fruit or other salads, I recommend Grapefruit Bowls, Honey Mustard Potato Salad, Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad, or Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Salad.
Common Questions
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for at least a few hours, but I recommend even making it the day before. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for next time. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Yes, lacinato kale (dinosaur kale) works well and is slightly more tender than curly kale. You’ll still want to allow the salad to rest for at least a few hours, but preferably the day before, so it becomes deliciously tender.
After rinsing with cold water and removing the kale stems, place in a medium bowl or a baking sheet and add a little bit of olive oil, and massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes. It softens the texture, reduces bitterness, and makes it way more enjoyable raw.
Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo are great lighter options, and then you also get a kick of protein.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl
- Spicy Thai Mango Salad
- BLT Cauliflower Salad
- Classic Creamy Coleslaw
If you make this Kale and Broccoli Superfood Salad, let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
Superfood Kale & Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups bite sized broccoli florets approx 2 large heads broccoli
- ⅓ cup thinly chopped red onion
- 2 cups finely shredded curly kale
- 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup chopped toasted walnuts
Creamy Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the broccoli florets, red onion, kale, red cabbage, cranberries and walnuts.
- In a small bowl combine all of the ingredients for the dressing and whisk together. Taste and adjust flavours as desired.
- Pour the dressing over salad and toss. I find the texture of the salad is best if you leave it to rest for a few hours (or up to overnight) before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried This Recipe?
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