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Costco Kale Salad

A massaged kale salad that actually tastes great — Costco's large bag of kale, creamy lemon dressing, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and shaved Parmesan in a salad that holds up for days.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
0 min
Servings
6
Cost / Serving
$3.33

Quick Answer

Massage Costco's kale leaves with olive oil and salt for 60 seconds to break down the toughness, then toss with a lemon-Parmesan dressing, cranberries, and toasted almonds. Massaging is the difference between bitter and tender. Ready in 20 minutes; six servings that hold up in the fridge for days.

Costco's large bags of pre-washed kale are one of the best deals in the produce section — and this salad makes full use of them. The key to great kale salad is massaging the leaves with dressing until they soften. This one uses a bright lemon-tahini dressing, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It keeps well for 3 days, making it the ideal Sunday meal-prep salad.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove thick kale stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash and spin very dry.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If the dressing is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water.

  3. 3

    Pour about half the dressing over the kale. Using clean hands, massage the leaves firmly for 2–3 minutes until they turn darker green, soften, and reduce in volume by about half.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining dressing (or less if you prefer a lighter coating) and toss to combine.

  5. 5

    Add most of the almonds, cranberries, and Parmesan. Toss gently.

  6. 6

    Top with remaining nuts and cheese. The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 3 days — unlike most salads, it gets better as the kale continues to marinate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you massage kale for salad?+
Raw kale has a tough, bitter, chewy texture that most people find unpleasant. Massaging breaks down the cell walls, which softens the leaves, reduces bitterness, and allows the dressing to penetrate. After 2–3 minutes of massaging, the kale becomes tender and slightly silky.
How long does massaged kale salad last in the fridge?+
Massaged kale salad (without croutons or very wet toppings) lasts 3–4 days refrigerated. The texture actually improves over time as the leaves continue to marinate. This makes it one of the best meal-prep salads you can make.
Can I add protein to kale salad?+
Yes — shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chickpeas, sliced grilled chicken, or a poached egg all work well. For a substantial meal, add chickpeas and extra almonds. The sturdy kale stands up to heavier proteins without wilting.
What type of kale is best for salad?+
Curly kale is the most common at Costco and works well. Lacinato kale (also called dinosaur or Tuscan kale) has a more tender texture and slightly sweeter flavor — it requires less massaging. Both are sold in large bags at Costco.
Can I substitute something for tahini in the dressing?+
Yes. Greek yogurt, almond butter, or extra olive oil all work as tahini substitutes. For a classic Caesar-style kale salad, use Caesar dressing instead of the tahini-lemon dressing. A simple olive oil and lemon dressing is also excellent.

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