Description
This Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a fresh, crisp, and zesty dish packed with nutrient-rich kale and crunchy vegetables, brightened by a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch, light dinner, or refreshing side, it offers vibrant flavors and textures in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale, tender leaves, washed and chopped finely
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Lemon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the leaves finely or tear them by hand. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to soften the texture and reduce bitterness.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic, maple syrup (natural), and Dijon mustard (natural). Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Chop Veggies: Dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion, separating the rings for better texture.
- Combine and Toss: Place the massaged kale in a large bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and drizzle the lemon dressing over the top. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for a nutty crunch.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and crispness. Optionally, chill the salad for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Massage the kale to soften and improve texture.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice (natural) for best flavor.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the crunch.
- Sprinkle seeds last to preserve crispness.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity in the dressing as preferred, adding extra maple syrup (natural) if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free, quick salad
