Have you ever had the craving for lasagna, but you want it in a healthier, low-carb friendly way? When experimenting with adding more kale to my diet, I wondered if it was crazy to do a lasagna-inspired kale salad!
Apparently it’s not that weird at all—it actually is a great, creative idea! The Italian flavors of this salad definitely help mask the bitterness of kale to make it more palatable.
Plus, combining it with lasagna-inspired ingredients gives you that amazing comfort-food vibe without the heaviness of actual lasagna.
Here’s my secret weapon for when I’m craving a Lasagna-Inspired Kale Salad that hits those Italian flavor notes:
Lasagna-Inspired Kale Salad
(Makes 2-3 servings)
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups kale, chopped (massage it with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to soften it)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella balls)
- 1/4 cup ricotta (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage (optional for protein)
For the “lasagna-style” dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional & has carbs):
- Crushed whole grain croutons or toasted breadcrumbs for a “pasta layer” texture
- A drizzle of marinara sauce (lightly warmed)
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Massage the kale with a little olive oil and lemon juice for about 2–3 minutes until it softens. This reduces bitterness.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Toss the kale with the dressing. Add the cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.
- Add the “lasagna” vibes: If using meat, toss it in. Add a light drizzle of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of croutons or breadcrumbs for texture. Chicken or Turkey Italian sausage would go great with this recipe and add protein!
- Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. Enjoy!
Why this works so well —
✅ The ricotta and mozzarella mimic that creamy lasagna texture.
✅ The marinara and garlic give that comforting Italian flavor.
✅ Massaging the kale softens the bitterness and lets it absorb the dressing better.
✅ The croutons/breadcrumbs give that pasta-like bite (Optional)
This is a great way if you’re on the keto diet or just trying to find more low-carb options. And remember, you can always add Italian Turkey sausage or meatballs crumbled up for a burst of protein!
Let me know if you try this, what you think about it in the comments!
Delicious!!!!