Paleo Zesty Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Bright, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, this Paleo Zesty Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is a vibrant, wholesome dish that’s perfect as a side or light entrée. Tenderized kale leaves serve as the hearty base, massaged with a tangy-sweet citrus vinaigrette made from freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup for Paleo purists), and hints of garlic and Dijon mustard. The salad is elevated with colorful toppings like pomegranate seeds, creamy diced avocado, crunchy toasted almonds, and thin slices of red onion for a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes without any cooking required, this healthy kale salad is brimming with paleo-friendly ingredients and ideal for meal prep or impressing guests at your next gathering.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups kale, destemmed and chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for strict Paleo)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 medium avocado, diced
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the stems and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Add to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. Season with sea salt and black pepper, and adjust to taste.
Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the chopped kale. Using clean hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves for 2-3 minutes to tenderize them.
Add the thinly sliced red onion, toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, and diced avocado to the kale. Gently toss to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces.
Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light main dish. Optionally, garnish with extra almonds or pomegranate seeds for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1096 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.4 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1443 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.3 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.0 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.1 g | ||
| Protein | 28.5 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1027 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 3237 mg | 69% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
