This baby kale salad recipe is the kind of side dish that pairs with almost everything. Tossed with creamy avocado, juicy pear, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a bright grapefruit vinaigrette.
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Post last updated June 12, 2026.
If this is your first time making a raw kale salad, baby kale is a great place to start. Unlike curly kale or mature kale, tender baby kale has a delicate texture and milder flavor that doesn’t need much work before tossing into a bowl with your other ingredients.
The grapefruit vinaigrette, creamy avocado, and toasted pumpkin seeds turn these simple ingredients into a extremely delicious and easy baby kale salad.
If you love produce-forward meals, this salad fits right alongside many of the vegetable-heavy recipes in my cookbook, Plant Powered Mexican.
Fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, it’s one of those delicious salads that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for special occasions and dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Baby Kale Salad Recipe
- Made with easy-to-find ingredients
- Combines creamy, crunchy, juicy, and crisp textures
- Works as a light lunch, side dish, or base for a complete meal
- The grapefruit-cilantro salad dressing adds brightness without overpowering the greens
- Uses tender kale, making it approachable even if you’re not usually a kale lover
- Fresh enough for summer but versatile enough year-round
Kale Salad Ingredients
- Baby Kale: Adds earthy flavor without the toughness of regular kale. Look for packaged baby kale in the salad greens section. I like to use the “Power Greens” salad mix from Trader Joe’s or Earthbound Farms.
- Romaine Lettuce: Provides structure and crunch that balances the softer greens.
- Cilantro Sprigs: Whole cilantro leaves in the salad and chopped cilantro in the dressing.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness, helping balance the tart grapefruit dressing.
- Pear: Provides juicy sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the citrus. Apples or even strawberries make great substitutes.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Add crunch and nutty flavor. Look for roasted, salted pumpkin seeds for the most flavor.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle bite and sharpness to the dressing.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice + Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed citrus gives the vinaigrette its bright, vibrant flavor.
- Olive Oil: I always use California Ranch Extra Virgin olive oil because it’s fresher than many imported brands.
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart citrus in the dressing. Agave syrup or sugar can be used instead.
- Morton Kosher Salt + Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These are the foundation of flavor.
How To Make This Baby Kale Salad Recipe
1. Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the red onion, kosher salt, black pepper, honey, cilantro, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and olive oil until combined.
2. Toss the greens. Add the baby kale, romaine, and cilantro sprigs to a large bowl. Tender baby kale has a milder flavor and delicate texture, so there’s no need to massage it first.
3. Assemble the salad. Top the greens with sliced avocado, pear, and toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and texture.
4. Dress and serve. Whisk the vinaigrette again, drizzle over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making This Kale Salad
- Dry your greens thoroughly. Wet greens dilute the dressing. A salad spinner is worth it.
- Dress the salad and add the avocado and pear right before serving.
- If using curly kale, red kale, or another type of kale, massage it lightly with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice first.
- I love this dressing! Make a double batch and keep in the refrigerator for salads all week.
What To Serve With Baby Kale Salad
This healthy baby kale salad recipe pairs well with everything from lighter meals to richer mains. Serve it with Al Pastor Chicken Wings, Adobada Tacos, Shredded Beef Burritos, or Barbacoa Beef for a fresh contrast to smoky, savory flavors.
For lighter meals, pair it with grilled salmon or Caldo de Camarón. The citrusy dressing and tender baby kale help balance richer dishes while keeping the meal feeling fresh.
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Storage Tips
Store the grapefruit vinaigrette separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture. Once dressed, the greens are best enjoyed right away.
FAQs
Is baby kale better than mature kale for salads?
For salads, yes. Baby kale has a milder flavor, more delicate texture, and doesn’t require as much prep as mature kale.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the dressing can be made in advance. Store the dressing separately in an airtight container for up to a week.
What can I substitute for baby kale?
Baby spinach, arugula or other baby greens work well. If using mature kale, chop it finely and massage it first to soften the leaves.
Baby Kale Salad, Avocado, and Pear with Grapefruit-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Yield:
6
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
This baby kale salad recipe is the kind of side dish that pairs with almost everything. Tossed with creamy avocado, juicy pear, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a bright grapefruit vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette:
Toggle ingredient group
For the Salad:
Toggle ingredient group
Instructions
- To make the dressing, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together. Dressing can be made up to a week in advance (although the cilantro will brown slightly).
- To make the salad, toss the 3 cups kale, 1 small head romaine, and 10-12 cilantro sprigs together. Arrange the 1 diced avocado and pear over the top and sprinkle with 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds.
- Whisk the dressing once more to combine then drizzle over the salad and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 360Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 629mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 15gSugar: 18gProtein: 11g