We all have different things that make up who we are. The Founder of Foxhound, Adam Hickman , was at one point a professional recipe developer for many of the major food brands. Southern Living, Food & Wine, All Recipes, and about a dozen more brands have recipes credited to Adam.
Adam is a trained chef and spent about 10 years in the recipe development world. It's not often that two worlds cross, but long ago, Adam did a feature for Cooking Light with a variety of recipes with honey and a photo shoot with his bees.
Introduction
Kale Salad with Everyday Honey Dressing delivers freshness and crunch in every forkful, with a bright vinaigrette that keeps things simple yet full of flavor. Lacinato kale gets tossed with parsley, Parmesan, and toasted almonds, while a tangy honey-lemon dressing ties it all together in the easiest way possible. The result is a salad that feels hearty enough for the main event, but light and refreshing enough to sit alongside just about anything.
Serve it as a crisp counterpoint to rich roasted meats, pair it with grilled fish, or let it stand on its own for a satisfying lunch. The balance is what makes this recipe shine: earthy kale, sharp cheese, nutty crunch, and a mellow sweetness from honey. A jar-shaken vinaigrette means no fuss, and the extra dressing stores beautifully for the week ahead.
This is also a recipe where your choice of honey makes a difference — its floral notes bring out the best in the greens without overpowering them. If you want the kale leaves to be extra tender, take a minute to massage them before tossing. That small step gives the salad a softer bite while still keeping all the vibrancy intact.
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about the role of honey in enhancing your favorite dishes? Check out our whole honey spread feature Recipe Here for tips, tricks, and delicious honey-focused recipes!
Kale Salad with Everyday Honey Dressing
10
4-6
Salad
Ingredients (in order of use):
For the Salad:
- 2 bunches lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped (about 10 cups loosely packed)
- 1 cup parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Marcona almonds or whole regular almonds
For the dressing (makes double the amount needed — reserve extra in fridge):
½ cup olive oil
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons fresh honey
2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely grated with a microplane or finely chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt or flaky sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
Using your hands, massage the kale, squeezing it together to soften. Add the parsley and toss to combine. - In a mason jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Pour about half the dressing over the kale and parsley. Toss thoroughly to coat.
- Add the shaved Parmesan and almonds.
Toss again to distribute. - Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Store the extra dressing in the mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy your delicious Kale Salad with Everyday Honey Dressing!
Tips:
You don’t have to massage the kale — but doing so will soften it and make it easier to eat. The goal is to break down the cell walls so the leaves relax. Don’t be afraid to be aggressive. If you use curly kale instead of lacinato, we recommend massaging it well to improve the texture.
Kale Salad with Everyday Honey Dressing is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. With its sturdy greens, nutty crunch, salty Parmesan, and a bright, honey-forward vinaigrette, this salad goes far beyond “just a side.” It’s refreshing yet hearty, making it just as at home on a holiday table as it is in your weekday lunch rotation.
Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a go-to in your kitchen. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or keep it light with a crusty piece of bread for a satisfying bite. And if you’re looking for more ways to cook with honey, don’t miss our other honey-inspired recipes. Happy cooking!
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.