Vibrant Citrus Kale Salad with Blueberries and Toasted Pepitas
This refreshing Vibrant Citrus Kale Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, spotlighting nutrient-dense curly kale, sweet blueberries, and crunchy toasted pepitas. Tossed in a bright citrus dressing made with fresh lemon and orange juice, this salad is as visually appealing as it is nutritious. It's perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish for dinner, or a picnic treat. For a vegan twist, simply substitute honey with your favorite plant-based sweetener. Elevate your salad game with the option to customize ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
curly kale
1 bunch (Remove leaves from the stem and chop into bite-sized pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Divide: 1 tbsp for massaging kale, 1 tbsp for dressing)
sea salt
3/4 teaspoon (Add to taste)
lemon
1 (Juice and zest)
orange
1 (Juice and zest)
honey
1 teaspoon (or alternative sugar)
avocado
1/2 (Cubed)
fresh blueberries
1 cup (Rinsed)
pepitas
2 tablespoons (Toasted)
Instructions
1
Remove kale leaves from the stem and chop into bite-sized pieces (or tear using hands).
2
Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle in the sea salt.
3
Massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the oil and salt are evenly distributed. The leaves should begin to wilt slightly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of the lemon and orange, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5
Pour the citrus dressing over the massaged kale and mix well.
6
Add the cubed avocado, fresh blueberries, and toasted pepitas, then toss gently to combine.
7
Serve immediately, or chill briefly in the refrigerator for a refreshing taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this salad?
The main base of this salad is one bunch of curly kale.
How do I prepare the kale for the salad?
Remove the kale leaves from the stem and either chop them into bite-sized pieces or tear them by hand.
Why do I need to massage the kale?
Massaging kale with olive oil and salt helps to wilt the leaves and make them tender and easier to eat.
How long should I massage the kale?
You should massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes.
What ingredients are used for the citrus dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the honey with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
What kind of fruit is added to the salad?
Fresh blueberries and cubed avocado are the primary fruits added to the salad.
What provide the crunch in this recipe?
Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) provide the crunch in this salad.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided between the kale massage and the dressing.
Can I store this salad for later?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or chill it briefly in the refrigerator for a refreshing taste.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
Specific serving size information is not provided, but it is suitable as a light lunch or a side dish.
How much honey should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of honey or an alternative sugar.
Are the lemon and orange juices fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using the juice and zest from 1 fresh lemon and 1 fresh orange.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended for this recipe.
How many pepitas should I add?
Use 2 tablespoons of toasted pepitas.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Should the blueberries be cooked?
No, the blueberries should be used fresh and rinsed.
Can I use a different type of kale?
While curly kale is specified, you can customize the ingredients based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
What is the preparation for the avocado?
Half of an avocado should be cubed before being added to the salad.
When do I add the dressing?
Pour the citrus dressing over the massaged kale and mix well before adding the toppings.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add pepper to the dressing?
Yes, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the dressing to taste.
How do I toast the pepitas?
The recipe lists them as toasted; you can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as nutrient-dense, healthy, and visually appealing.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a salad, specifically a citrus kale salad.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is preferred as the recipe also utilizes the zest of the fruit for maximum flavor.
Should I remove the kale stems?
Yes, the instructions state to remove kale leaves from the stem.
When should I add the toasted pepitas?
Add the pepitas at the very end along with the avocado and blueberries, then toss gently.
How much sea salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste.
Is this recipe good for picnics?
Yes, it is described as a perfect picnic treat.