Description
Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a refreshing and nutrient-packed dish featuring crisp fresh kale leaves tossed in a vibrant lemon dressing. This salad offers a zesty citrus flavor and wholesome plant-based ingredients, making it perfect as a side dish or a light meal that energizes your palate and nourishes your body.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup plant-based cheese (optional)
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Start by washing the kale thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat and helps the dressing coat each leaf evenly.
- Make the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup (natural), salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is blended into a smooth, tangy dressing.
- Massage the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and drizzle some of the lemon dressing over it. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for about 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the leaves and makes them easier to digest, while infusing the citrus flavors.
- Toss and add toppings: Add the remaining lemon dressing to the bowl and toss the kale well to ensure every leaf is coated. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds and optional plant-based cheese on top for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Massage for tenderness: Massaging kale breaks down its fibrous texture, making it deliciously tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon adds unparalleled brightness compared to bottled options.
- Toast your nuts/seeds: Light toasting enhances their flavor and crunch dramatically.
- Dress just before serving: Keeps the kale crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Customize sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to balance acidity according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, plant-based salad, vegan salad, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten free salad