Name: Kale and White Bean Salad with Pesto Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

If you're looking for a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish, this kale and white bean salad is about to become your new favorite. It's loaded with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a delightful mix of textures. With creamy white beans, tangy pesto vinaigrette, and crunchy seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, this salad will leave you feeling full and energized. Plus, it's simple to whip up using mostly pantry staples like cannellini beans or great northern beans, and it's perfect as a side or main dish. Let's dive in!

Kale and White Bean Salad with Pesto Dressing

Kale and White Bean Salad with Pesto Dressing cover

From the Cook

1/9

Kale and White Bean Salad with Pesto Dressing

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Remove the ribs from the kale leaves using a sharp knife and rinse the leaves under cool water. Dry the leaves and chop them into small pieces.

Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and a splash of fresh lemon juice, and massage the leaves until they soften and turn a deeper green.

Add the red onion and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Then, add the drained and rinsed white beans.

Drizzle the pesto vinaigrette over the top and toss the salad until everything is evenly coated.

For the Pesto Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine ½ cup of pesto, ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, and ¼ cup of rice wine vinegar.

Shake or stir until smooth. Store in the fridge for up to 5-6 days in an airtight container.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Massage Your Kale 👐
Massage the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice for 2-3 minutes to break down the tough fibers and make them more tender and digestible.
Bean Preparation Pro 🫘
If using canned beans, always rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve the salad's overall flavor profile.
Pesto Dressing Hack 🥣
Thin out store-bought or homemade pesto with extra rice wine vinegar and olive oil to create a perfectly balanced, light vinaigrette.
Texture Balance Magic 🌈
Toast sunflower or pumpkin seeds briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a critical crunch to the salad.
Flavor Layering Technique 🧊
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to absorb the dressing.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.