Kale and White Bean Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Here at Serious Eats, we're pretty serious about our salads. This kale and white bean salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, with grilled shrimp adding a smoky depth, creamy white beans providing a satisfying heartiness, and fresh kale bringing a bright, crisp bite. It's the perfect salad for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner on a hot summer night.

This salad was born out of a love for grilled shrimp and a desire to find a way to use up leftover white beans. The first time I made it, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors came together. The grilled shrimp added a smoky depth, the creamy white beans provided a satisfying heartiness, and the fresh kale brought a bright, crisp bite. It was the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and I knew I had to share it with the world.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked white beans
• 1/2 cup grilled shrimp
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until softened.
2. Add the white beans, grilled shrimp, red onion, feta cheese, and oregano to the bowl and toss to combine.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of kale, white beans, and grilled shrimp is a winning one. The kale is hearty and flavorful, the white beans provide a creamy richness, and the grilled shrimp adds a smoky depth.
• The dressing is simple but effective. The olive oil and lemon juice provide a bright acidity, while the oregano adds a touch of herbal complexity.
• This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. Add some chopped tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness, or crumbled feta cheese for a bit of salty tang.