Why Not Salad for Breakfast? Cherries and Goat Cheese Kale Salad

Why Not Salad for Breakfast? That is the question.

We’re conditioned to think of breakfast as sweet or carb-heavy—toast, cereal, pancakes, eggs. But sometimes, the body craves something crisp, fresh, and vibrant, especially on those weird summer mornings that are cool yet sticky with humidity. That’s where my go-to breakfast salad comes in. Yes, salad for breakfast. It’s not just acceptable—it’s delightful. And this one brings together everything I love:

  • The tender bite of massaged kale

  • Juicy summer stone fruit—sweet peaches and tart cherries

  • Creamy goat cheese

  • A pop of flaky sea salt to tie it all together

  • The crunch of nuts

It’s satisfying but light, packed with fiber and nutrients, and quick to prep. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy the height of peach and cherry season. You can add a poached egg or toasted nuts (I love adding toasted pecans) if you want to bulk it up, but honestly, it’s perfect just as it is.

Let’s normalize salads anytime—especially first thing in the morning.

🍑 Kale, Cherry & Peach Breakfast Salad

Serves: 1 hearty portion or 2 light servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups kale, stems removed and thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 ripe peach, sliced

  • ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

  • 1 oz goat cheese, crumbled

  • Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), to taste

  • Optional: cracked black pepper, or toasted nuts

For the dressing

  • Juice of 1 1/2 lemons

  • 4 tsp honey

  • splash of olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Massage the kale: In a medium bowl, combine the kale, olive oil, and lemon juice. Gently massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken.

  2. Assemble the salad: Top the kale with sliced peaches and cherries. Drizzle with the dressing and toss.

  3. Finish and serve: Sprinkle goat cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. Add optional toppings if using. Serve immediately.