Kale Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Kale and Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not just another salad; it’s a vibrant medley of textures and flavors that come together to create something truly special. With crisp kale and tender broccoli as the base, accented by the crunch of toasted almonds and the sweetness of dried cranberries, every bite delights your senses. The tangy poppyseed dressing ties it all together, elevating the whole experience. This salad works beautifully as an appetizer or a side dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

I remember the first time I made this Kale and Broccoli Salad. I was hosting a casual get-together and needed something quick yet crowd-pleasing. It was a hit! Friends raved about the dressing and the crunch of the almonds, and I loved how colorful it looked on the table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it has quickly become a favorite in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and tangy.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautiful salad that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side at dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 packed cups kale: Use a large bunch; finely chopped for texture and nutrition.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh, chopped from one head; reserve the stalks for extra crunch.
- ½ pound brussels sprouts: Shredded for additional flavor and texture.
- ½ small head radicchio: Provides a bit of bitterness and stunning color.
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries: Adds sweetness and chewiness; feel free to substitute with raisins or cherries.
- ⅔ cup toasted slivered almonds: Gives a great nutty flavor and crunch; can swap with walnuts or pecans.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: For a salty, rich touch; omit for a dairy-free option.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creaminess in the dressing; Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess; use all mayo for a richer dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brightens the flavors; white wine vinegar is a good substitute.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness in the dressing; maple syrup is a great vegan substitute.
- 1 tablespoon orange juice: For a refreshing citrus note; lemon juice can be used for more tang.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Balances the sweetness; adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every component.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Gives depth to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Cute and adds a nice crunch; feel free to add more!
How to Make Kale Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Prepare the Greens: Start by finely chopping 3 packed cups of kale and 3 cups of broccoli florets. Don’t throw away the broccoli stalks; reserve them for shredding later.
- Shred Extra Veggies: Using a food processor with a shredding attachment, shred ½ pound of brussels sprouts, and ½ small head of radicchio. This will help incorporate them evenly into your salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon orange juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds. Mix until well blended.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, radicchio, ⅔ cup dried cranberries, and ⅔ cup toasted slivered almonds.
- Combine & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Top with ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately for the best texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While this salad is best served fresh, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing. If you do store it for a bit, refresh the flavors with a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be Mindful of Texture: Make sure to chop the kale and broccoli finely, as this helps them mix better with the dressing.
- Dressing Tip: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of water or more citrus juice to achieve your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra kick, consider adding some crumbled feta or a handful of sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad components and dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Kale and Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delicious way to incorporate greens into your meals. It’s filled with flavor, texture, and nutrients that will leave you feeling great. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or packing it for lunch, this salad is sure to please. Don’t hesitate to play around with different nuts or dried fruits to make it your own! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
Is this salad gluten-free?
Can I add protein to this salad?
More Dinner Recipes
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- Higher Fiber Turkey Meatballs
- Maple Glazed Salmon
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Pesto Asparagus Tart with Lemon Ricotta
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Kale Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kale Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish made with fresh kale, crunchy broccoli, and a zesty dressing. It’s a healthy and quick option that’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish, featuring vibrant ingredients that blend together beautifully for an irresistible taste.
Ingredients
- 3 packed cups kale, finely chopped (1 large bunch)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (1 head), save the stalks
- ½ pound brussels sprouts, shredded
- ½ small head radicchio, shredded
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ⅔ cup toasted slivered almonds, toasted
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Finely chop the kale and the florets parts of the broccoli, reserving the stems.
- Shred the broccoli stalks, brussels sprouts, and radicchio using a food processor fitted with a shredding attachment.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, radicchio, cranberries, and almonds. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat evenly. Top with parmesan cheese.
Notes
Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado or nuts for additional flavor.
The salad can be made a few hours ahead; just add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
