Description
This simple kale salad with lemon dressing offers fresh Mediterranean flavors packed with nutrients. Crisp greens combine with tangy citrus and olive oil, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (475 milliliters/16 fl oz) chopped kale
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1–2 tbsps (15–30 ml) maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Shred kale into delicate, bite-sized fragments, placing them in a generous mixing vessel.
- Massage: Drizzle olive oil over the leaves, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Tenderly knead the kale for 1-2 minutes, transforming its texture and reducing fibrous intensity.
- Garnish Layer: Introduce a medley of crunchy pistachios, pumpkin seeds, golden raisins, and dried cranberries across the verdant landscape, then dust with freshly grated parmesan and bright lemon zest.
- Dressing Creation: In a sealed container, combine lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and cracked pepper. Vigorously emulsify until the mixture achieves a harmonious, silky consistency.
- Final Assembly: Cascade the luminous dressing over the prepared salad, gently tumbling to ensure comprehensive coating. Serve at ambient temperature or slightly chilled, presenting a vibrant, nutrient-rich culinary experience.
Notes
- Massage Technique: Gently work the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes to break down tough fibers, making the leaves more tender and easier to chew.
- Dressing Preparation: Mix dressing ingredients in a sealed jar for quick, efficient blending and easy storage of any leftover dressing.
- Seed and Nut Customization: Swap pistachios or pumpkin seeds with almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts to add personal flair and extra crunch.
- Flavor Boosting: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow ingredients to meld and kale to absorb the tangy lemon vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg