Description
A vibrant and healthy Easy Kale Salad featuring chopped kale, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy homemade lemon dressing. This salad offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors, ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad
- 5 cups chopped kale
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) or shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a lidded mason jar. Shake vigorously until well emulsified. Taste by dipping a kale leaf in the dressing and adjust sweetener, salt, or pepper as desired.
- Massage the Kale: Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Using your fingers, massage and rub the kale leaves until they darken and soften to a silky texture, which enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the massaged kale, add chopped broccoli florets, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese or shredded cheddar, shredded carrot, finely diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix.
- Toss with Dressing: Shake the dressing once more and pour about one-third over the salad mixture. Toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Add additional dressing as preferred to suit your taste.
Notes
- Optional: Add poppy seeds to the salad dressing to give it a delightful lemon poppy seed flavor.
- Nutritional info does not include optional cheeses or extra ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 334
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 315mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
