Nutrient-dense and delicious, this creamy, cheesy leafy green salad is fantastic as a side dish or a light main, especially with extra protein on top. Made with healthy leafy greens like kale, parsley and rocket (arugula), this salad is brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, and is low-carb, keto and gluten-free.

I got addicted to this cheesy, creamy and garlicky green salad while doing the Low-Carb Challenge. I would often make a batch to have for lunch with some protein on top like chicken, prawns or crispy bacon (hello!). We also had it as a side dish with meatballs and pan-fried fish for dinner.
This leafy salad is low in carbohydrates, high in fibre, and plenty of fats to keep you satiated. It’s great for vegetarians too as you will get a fair bit of protein from the cheeses in the dressing.
Leafy Green Salad Ingredients
Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, green vegetables are a must-have in a healthy diet. Dark leafy greens in particular – like kale or Swiss chard – contain very high amounts of vitamin K (and calcium!). These support bone health and protect from osteoporosis.
Because of their high content of antioxidants, green leafy vegetables may be one of the best cancer-preventing foods. They are needed for good eyesight, heart health, a well-functioning immune system and radiant skin, to mention just a few benefits.
As such, you can use any leafy greens in this salad. I went with kale, rocket (arugula), iceberg lettuce and parsley (yes, green herbs are concentrated sources of all those nutrients!).

Cheesy Creamy Dressing
This creamy dressing is SO SO tasty! It’s thick and heavy, which gives substance to the light, low-calorie greens. With ingredients like Parmesan and Cheddar cheese, mustard, onion powder, garlic and mayo, this dressing is full of umami flavours. It’s a little bit like the Caesar or Ranch dressing but with its own character.
If you can’t do dairy, you can try my creamy avocado dressing instead.

How To Make Cheesy Leafy Green Salad
Wash and drain the leafy greens and chop them roughly. If using kale, I recommend massaging it first to break down its fibres and making it less chewy or sturdy, so to speak. It’s going to be more gentle on the tummy. I sprinkle kale with a tiny bit of salt and lemon juice, grab handfuls and scrunch them a few times between my fingers until it is bruised.


In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. It will look quite thick at this stage. Once you add the greens, use your hands to mix everything.


More Healthy Salad Recipes
- Sweet Potato Salad With Pickled Onions & Coriander
- Kale Chicken & Apple Salad
- Fish Salad With Cajun Grilled Salmon & Kale
- Moroccan Carrot & Beetroot Salad

Cheesy Leafy Green Salad (Low-Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 as a side, 2 as a main 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy and delicious leafy green salad with creamy, cheesy and garlicky dressing. Made with nutritious greens like kale, arugula and parsley. Enjoy this gluten-free, low-carb and keto salad as a side dish (4 servings) or as a light main (2 servings). You can top it with your favourite protein of choice for a more substantial meal.
Ingredients
3 large kale leaves, separated from the stem
1.5 cups chopped iceberg lettuce (Cos, Gem or Butter lettuce is also great here)
1.5 cups roughly chopped rocket (arugula
1 cup chopped parsley
For the cheesy dressing
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 small clove garlic, grated or minced
30 grams / 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated finely
30 g 1/ 1 oz Cheddar or Tasty cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Wash and drain the leafy greens and chop them roughly. If using kale, I recommend massaging it first to break down its fibres. This will make it softer and less chewy, and gentler on the tummy. To do so, sprinkle kale with a tiny bit of salt and lemon juice (if you like it tangy), grab handfuls and scrunch them a few times between your until wet and bruised.
In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. It will look quite thick at this stage. Once you add the greens, use your hands to mix everything through.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: The leafy greens and the salad dressing can be prepared ahead but keep them separate until you’re ready to serve.
Leftovers: Pre-mixed salad leftovers will keep for a day. After that, the leaves will get quite soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 276.6 mg
- Fat: 11.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 6.7 g
- Cholesterol: 18.9 mg
Keywords: Salad, Kale, Parsley, Arugula, Cheese, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto, Vegetarian, Side

This cheesy greeny salad is just fantastic. My family loved it. Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Can’t wait to try this….this is the type of recipe I love as it’s the only way I can get the kids to eat more kale
I want to say naughty but nice! Healthy greens and super indulgent cheesy dressing! Our kind of salad – truly delicious!
★★★★★
That’s exactly what I was going for 😉
I love using kale in salads and the cheese really makes this salad moreish. Perfect with my bext barbecue
★★★★★
I;m currently leading a low carb lifestyle so this salad ticks all the right boxes with me.
★★★★★
Glad to hear that it might get on your meal plan 😉
Simple, yet delicious salad recipe Irena! I loved it, thanks!
★★★★★