Description
A fresh and vibrant Kale Salad with a zesty natural lemon dressing, combining crisp veggies and a burst of citrus for a light, refreshing meal or side dish packed with nutrients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale leaves, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup natural lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
- 1 cup zucchini, thin ribboned (as cucumber substitute)
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta (plant-based) cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Thoroughly wash the kale leaves and strip them from the thick stems. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with your hands until softened to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Chop the Vegetables: Slice the cucumber into thin half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely slice the red onion, ensuring all vegetables are cut uniformly for even flavor distribution.
- Whisk the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the fresh natural lemon juice, olive oil (natural), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth and tangy mixture bursting with fresh flavor.
- Toss and Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the massaged kale and chopped vegetables. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly, making sure every leaf and slice is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. If desired, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top just before serving for extra crunch.
Notes
- Massage the kale to soften and improve its texture and flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and natural taste.
- Taste the dressing before tossing the salad; adjust salt or olive oil (natural) as needed to balance flavors.
- Chill the salad briefly before serving to keep veggies crisp and fresh.
- Lightly toast sunflower seeds separately to enhance nuttiness if using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, fresh salad, healthy greens, plant-based salad, gluten free, easy salad
