Copycat Sweet Kale Salad

A few years ago, a mysteriously delicious, healthy, sweet salad started appearing at every single party I attended. This sweet kale salad was loaded with a sturdy blend of winter vegetables, including kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli slaw, and was adorned with jewels of dried cranberries and pepitas for crunch. It was a salad I couldn’t escape from. After it made four or five consecutive appearances at social gatherings, I realized this wasn’t a trendy viral recipe I missed on social media; it was, in fact, a sweet kale salad kit from the grocery store.

Actually, it was several very similar salad kits—all made with kale, cranberries, and a tangy and sweet creamy poppy seed dressing. From Costco to Trader Joe’s and pretty much every grocery store in between, each has their own version.

While delicious, the salad itself isn’t overly complex, which is why I implore you to skip the kit the next time you’re craving this sweet kale vegetable salad and to try this copycat recipe instead. It’s jam-packed with the same ingredients, but at a fraction of the cost. (Does anyone else feel as if those salad kits are getting smaller and smaller?)

Ingredients for Copycat Sweet Kale Salad

• Kale: There are many varieties of kale. For the best taste and texture, choose Tuscan or Lacinato for this kale recipe.
• Broccoli slaw: While you are welcome to shave or shred broccoli stems yourself, a package of broccoli slaw is a fantastic shortcut. Use any extra to make a delicious Asian ramen coleslaw.
• Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts are another sturdy vegetable that stays crisp for a long time, even after being coated in dressing.
• Green cabbage: Green cabbage adds another layer of crunch and texture to this healthy salad recipe.
• Radicchio: Radicchio doesn’t taste that much different from kale or cabbage, but its vibrant purple-red hue offers a beautiful contrast from the other green vegetables in the recipe.
• Dried cranberries: A few handfuls of dried cranberries add little bursts of sweetness to every bite.
• Toasted pepitas: Often packaged and labeled as pumpkin seeds, pepitas add a nice, subtle nuttiness to this sweet kale salad along with a wonderful crunch.
• Creamy poppy seed dressing: This sweet and tangy homemade dressing beats the ones that come sealed in pouches with the kits. It’s made with mayonnaise and sour cream for a creamy tang, sweetened with sugar, and mixed with milk, apple cider vinegar and plenty of poppy seeds.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a mini food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients except for the poppy seeds. Pulse until smooth and creamy, then transfer to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Whisk in the poppy seeds and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a mini food processor, the dressing can be made in a small bowl. Combine the ingredients and whisk together until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Toss the salad and serve

Next, in a large serving bowl, combine the kale, broccoli slaw, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radicchio, dried cranberries and pepitas. Top with half the dressing, then toss to coat. Serve the salad with extra dressing on the side.

Copycat Sweet Kale Salad Variations

• Make it your own: Since this isn’t a premade sweet kale salad kit, you have creative license to make this recipe your own. Add protein, fiber and bulk by tossing in 2 cups cooked farro or quinoa with the salad. Thinly sliced green apple or pear would also make a nice addition.
• Omit the radicchio: While Costco includes radicchio in their sweet kale salad, other brands do not. Feel free to omit it from the salad if desired. You can add extra green cabbage or Brussels sprouts in the place of radicchio if you don’t want to lose any of the salad’s bulk.
• Replace the pepitas: If you can’t find pepitas or don’t enjoy them, swap in sunflower seeds, chopped pistachios or candied pecans.
• Use another dressing: Most salad kits pair a creamy poppy seed dressing with this kale and cranberry salad. That said, you may swap in another dressing you enjoy. A maple Dijon vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette or white balsamic dressing would be a fantastic option.

How to Store Copycat Sweet Kale Salad

Extra sweet kale salad with poppy seed dressing should be kept refrigerated in an airtight food storage container.

How long do the kale salad and dressing last?

Unlike tender green salads that become soggy within a few hours of being tossed with dressing, this sweet kale salad remains crisp for a bit longer. For the best taste, enjoy within one or two days.

If you’re planning to enjoy this as a meal-prep salad over a few days, leave it undressed. Store the dressing in a container with a tight-fitting lid (like a Mason jar) and keep it refrigerated for up to a week. Store the undressed salad mixture in an airtight food storage container for five or six days.

Copycat Sweet Kale Salad Tips

What can you serve with a sweet kale salad?

While this kale salad with poppy seed dressing features fall and winter produce, it can truly be enjoyed any time of year. In the spring and summer, serve it with grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon. Then, as cooler weather arrives, enjoy it with a cup of butternut squash soup or as a side to a roasted spatchcock chicken.

This sweet kale vegetable salad is also a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season. Make it a part of your spread of Thanksgiving recipes. Or, serve it alongside beef tenderloin or glazed ham for Christmas.