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+ servings
kale salad copycat recipe

Kale Salad

Before diving into our glorious kale salad, let's talk about what pairs well with it. This dish is incredibly versatile and serves as an excellent side or main course.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Salad Base:
  • 5 cups chopped fresh kale leaves
  • 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
  • ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or substitute with shredded sharp cheddar
  • ¼ cup julienned carrot
  • ½ cup sliced toasted almonds
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1 –2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional, for an umami lift
Zesty Lemon Dressing:
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar adjust according to taste
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Equipment

  • Bowls

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Kale
  1. Start by washing the kale leaves thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, sea salt, lemon juice, oregano, red wine vinegar, honey, black pepper, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, feta cheese, julienned carrots, toasted almonds, red onion, cranberries, and parsley.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve
  1. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later. If you do refrigerate it, just give it a quick toss before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 8gFat: 15gFiber: 5g

Notes

  • Massage the Kale: Before dressing, gently massage the kale with olive oil for a minute. This softens the leaves and enhances flavors.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality oils make a noticeable difference. Grab what’s seasonal for the best taste.
  • Customize It: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite toppings. This salad is versatile and can accommodate various tastes.
  • Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding a protein source. Chickpeas or grilled chicken are great options.
  • Limit the Dressing: Start with a small amount of dressing and adjust according to taste. You can always add more!

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