Kale Caprese Salad is a fresh take on the Italian classic, filled with kale, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella and a light vinaigrette.
Why You’ll Love This Kale Caprese Salad
Since I can’t leave the produce aisle or farmers market without a bunch of kale, I decided it was time to share my family’s go-to kale dish: kale Caprese salad. Yes, even my somewhat picky eating toddlers join in the tastiness of this dish! Kids eat kale too… no matter what you might believe [or see at your own dinner table]. Here’s why this recipe works for my toddlers…
Have you ever watched a toddler eat salad? It’s humorous, especially if they are eating it in someone else’s kitchen other than your own. Unless your toddler has great quality control with a fork, the components of the salad are likely to hit the floor. But something magical happened when I gave Joey this kale Caprese salad. He ditched the fork and picked the mozzarella and tomatoes [and a little kale] out with his fingers.
Lesson learned? Serve toddlers salads with big mix-ins! The finger-appropriate foods, the more likely your toddler will try them! Or so that’s what works with my little ones. Here’s to hoping this works in your family too! If all fails, this recipe is simple and quick to make. That’s always a plus!
What’s In This Kale Salad
- Kale (1 bunch = about 4 cups) – steamed and chopped
- Bocconcini [mini mozzarella] (1 cup) – halved
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup) – halved
- Basil (1/4 cup) – fresh, chopped
In the Dressing
- Olive Oil (2/3 cup) – I use extra-virgin olive oil
- Red Wine Vinegar (3 tablespoons)
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic (1 clove) – crushed
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
More Salads To Enjoy
- Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar Cheese
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad
- Thai Beef Salad
- Doctored Up Salad Kits
What happens when you mix kale + mozzarella + tomato + basil? Kale caprese salad! Share on X
- Salad:
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped [about 4 cups]
- 1 cup bocconcini [mini mozzarella], halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Dressing [makes about 1 cup]:
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Add kale to a large bowl.
- Combine dressing ingredients and whisk until combined. Pour over kale and toss until evenly coated.
- Add cheese and tomatoes. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Before serving, add basil and toss to combine.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Ahhh I want this for lunch!!! We’re hosting a play date today and I’m wishing I had mozzarella because I have everything else! YUM!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says
This looks so yummy! Love the big mix-ins for toddlers. What a great idea!!
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
I thought I’ve had every version of caprese but never thought of caprese kale salad – great idea!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Wonder if I could get my husband too eat kale this way!
Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen says
Love how simplistic this recipe it, and packed with a ton of nutrition. I will definitely have to make this!
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
caprese salad is my fav!! Love that you added kale! 🙂
Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says
I love the idea of a kale caprese salad. This would be great to bring for lunch as kale is way less likely to get soggy!
Alanna says
I have never had kale with my caprese salad…and now I will!! This sounds so perfect right about now.
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
Wow, I’m so impressed that your toddler eats salad and kale, especially since I know adults who won’t even touch vegetables! Caprese salads are always the best in the summer- I just can’t resist tomatoes!
Aggie says
Genius!! I want this for dinner!