Description
A fresh and nutritious kale salad combining creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a bright lemon dressing. This easy salad is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and fresh flavor, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp feta cheese, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of the dressing and massage the kale with clean hands for 1–2 minutes until the leaves become slightly softened and tender.
- Add the vegetables and seeds: Add the diced avocado, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, feta cheese if using, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the kale.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together the remaining dressing ingredients—olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper—if not already prepared.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, gently tossing to combine all flavors evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor. Optionally, add grilled protein or boiled eggs to make it a more filling meal.
Notes
- Massaging the kale before serving makes it more tender and easier to eat.
- Add grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or boiled eggs for a more substantial meal.
- If preparing ahead, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
