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When I first tasted the renowned Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad, I was taken aback by how such a vibrant combination of greens could bring so much joy to my palate. The delightful crunch of dino kale paired with the subtle sweetness of sesame dressing felt like a celebration in my mouth. I knew I had to recreate this culinary gem at home, particularly after days filled with overly processed takeout.

This Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad is my answer to those moments when you crave something fresh, wholesome, and utterly satisfying. Imagine the bright colors of green cabbage, the aromatic burst of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and the unexpected crunch of roasted peanuts—all tossed together in a nutty and zesty dressing. Best of all, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare and perfect for both busy weeknights and entertaining guests. Let’s dive into the recipe that continues to redefine my approach to salads and promises to turn even the most skeptical into kale lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad

Freshness Guaranteed: This salad bursts with vibrant flavors and colors that will brighten any meal.

Quick to Prepare: In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up this nutritious dish, making it an ideal choice for a busy lifestyle.

Enriching Textures: The crunchy kale and cabbage, complemented by creamy Parmesan and roasted peanuts, create a delightful chew that you won’t forget.

Herbaceous Delight: Fresh cilantro and mint elevate the dish, offering sensational aromas and tastes that awaken the senses.

Crowd-Pleasing Choice: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Transform your meals with this delicious recipe and consider also checking out other healthy salad inspirations for variety!

Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Dino Kale – 2 bunches, finely chopped with the stems removed for tender texture.
Green Cabbage – 2 cups, finely chopped to add crispness and sweetness.
Green Onions – 1 bunch, finely sliced to bring a mild onion flavor.
Cilantro – ½ cup, chopped, offers a burst of freshness that brightens the dish.
Mint Leaves – ¼ cup, chopped to introduce a refreshing twist.
Parmesan Cheese – ⅔ cup, finely grated for a creamy, savory flavor.
Peanuts – ½ cup, roasted and salted, bringing a delightful crunch.

For the Dressing

Lime Juice – 1 lime, juiced to provide a zesty kick that balances flavors.
Rice Vinegar – 1 teaspoon, adding a mild acidity that rounds out the dressing.
Dijon Mustard – 2 teaspoons, contributing depth and a hint of spiciness.
Maple Syrup – 1 tablespoon, offering a touch of natural sweetness.
Sesame Oil – ⅓ cup, a key ingredient for that nutty essence reminiscent of the original Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad.
Sea Salt – 1 teaspoon, essential for enhancing all flavors.
Ground Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon, providing an aromatic warmth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1 pinch, for an optional hint of heat.

How to Make Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad

Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, sesame oil, sea salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully combined and set aside.
Prepare the Greens: Wash and finely chop the dino kale and green cabbage, then add them to a large mixing bowl.
Massage the Greens: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt over the chopped greens. Gently massage the salt into the kale and cabbage for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Incorporate the green onions, cilantro, mint, and grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl with the kale and cabbage, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Drizzle the Dressing: Pour your prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the greens are evenly coated.
Plate and Garnish: Transfer the salad to your serving dish. Garnish with a lime wedge and additional Parmesan cheese if you desire an extra touch of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy this refreshing Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad immediately! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Optional: Add toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad?

Brighten your table with a colorful array of complementary dishes that enhance the delightful freshness of this salad.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and tender, grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp greens, adding a satisfying protein boost.
Quinoa Pilaf: The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa pilaf make it a wholesome companion, enriching your meal with additional nutrients.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture offer a wonderful contrast, rounding out the meal with warmth and heartiness.
Crispy Tofu Bites: For a plant-based option, crispy tofu adds crunch and protein, balancing perfectly with the salad’s refreshing notes.
Garlic Bread: The buttery aroma and crunchy texture of garlic bread can add a lovely contrast to the bright, herbaceous flavors.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink option, sparkling water with lime enhances the salad’s zest while adding a crisp, vibrant touch.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh the palate and provide a sweet finish that complements the salad’s savory undertones.
Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a cool note with zesty lemon sorbet, its brightness echoing the salad’s flavors and leaving everyone satisfied.

Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad Variations

Let’s unleash your creativity and make this salad your own!

Gluten-Free: Substitute Dijon mustard with a gluten-free variety to keep those flavors intact while staying gluten-free.
Vegan: Swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, ensuring you still get that savory delight. It’s a perfect way to maintain creaminess without dairy!
Nut-Free: Replace peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds, adding crunch without nuts. These little seeds bring their own lovely flavor, making the salad accessible to everyone.
Extra Zing: For an added zing, mix in a teaspoon of grated ginger into the dressing. This enhances the dressing with a fragrant and refreshing twist that dances on your palate.
Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño. This escalation spices things up just right, making every bite a little thrill!
Creamy Dressing: Blend in a tablespoon of tahini to the dressing for a creamy texture that’ll take it to another level. This addition offers nutty richness, creating a more luxurious salad experience.
Seasonal Veggies: Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and sweetness during different seasons. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also add unique flavors.
Fruit Twist: Toss in diced apples or mandarin oranges for a hint of sweet freshness. These fruits balance the savory aspects beautifully, making each bite a delightful explosion of taste.

Make Ahead Options

This Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can chop the kale, cabbage, and herbs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crunch. Additionally, prepare the dressing ahead of time—just be sure to whisk it well before serving to incorporate the flavors again. When it’s time to enjoy, simply mix the salad components with the dressing and garnish with lime and Parmesan. This way, you’ll have a delightful, fulfilling salad waiting for you with minimal effort!

Tips for the Best Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens and herbs make a world of difference. Avoid wilted leaves to ensure your salad is crisp and vibrant.
Massage the Greens: Don’t skip this step! Massaging the kale and cabbage with salt makes them tender and enhances their flavor, creating a delightful eating experience.
Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You can adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or lime juice, ensuring it matches your palette.
Perfect Parmesan: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture. Pre-packaged cheese can be overly dry and won’t blend as smoothly.
Nuts for Crunch: Roasted peanuts are delicious, but feel free to experiment with other nuts or seeds. Just avoid adding too many at once to maintain balance in your Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad.

Storage Tips for Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while preserving the vibrant flavors and textures.

Refrigerate Dressing Separately: If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps the salad crisp.

Freezer: For longer storage, the salad can be frozen, though it’s best to freeze just the greens (without dressing) for up to 1 month.

Reheating: If you’ve stored the salad in the fridge and want to eat it cold, simply toss it again with fresh herbs or dressing to revive the flavors of this Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad.

Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best kale and cabbage?
Absolutely! When choosing kale, look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from dark spots or yellowing. Fresh dino kale should feel firm, while cabbage should be dense and heavy for its size. Avoid any with wilted leaves or bruising for the best flavor.

How should I store leftovers of my Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad?
Very! To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to refrigerate the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. If you notice the greens getting soft, try tossing them with a bit of fresh dressing to revive them!

Can I freeze the Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad?
I often recommend this! While it’s best to freeze just the greens, you can keep the kale and cabbage for up to 1 month in the freezer. To do this, wash and chop your greens, then place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Just keep in mind, the texture may change, and it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.

What should I do if my salad dressing is too thick?
No problem at all! If your dressing turns out thick, simply thin it out by whisking in a little bit of water, lime juice, or extra rice vinegar, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. This keeps the dressing flavorful without overwhelming the salad.

Are there any allergies I should consider with this salad?
Absolutely! The Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad contains nuts (peanuts), dairy (Parmesan cheese), and soy (in Dijon mustard). If you’re serving guests with allergies, consider substituting the peanuts with sunflower seeds or omitting the cheese entirely. You can also use a vegan dressing by replacing the cheese with nutritional yeast.

How long does the dressing last if stored separately?
Fantastic question! If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the dressing can last for up to 1 week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. Make sure to keep an eye on it—if you see any signs of spoilage, toss it out for safety!