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Avocado Lemon Kale Salad

Avocado Lemon Kale Salad

Avocado Lemon Kale Salad is a fresh and nourishing dish made with tender massaged kale, creamy avocado, and a bright lemon dressing. It’s a quick, flavorful salad that works well as a light lunch, healthy side dish, or meal-prep option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Salad tongs or clean hands

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 large bunch kale stems removed and leaves chopped, about 6 cups
  • 1 large ripe avocado diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional

For the Lemon Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove grated or finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the kale

  • Remove the thick stems from the kale leaves. Chop the leaves into bite-size pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Massage the kale

  • Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a small pinch of salt to the kale. Use clean hands to gently massage the leaves for 1 to 2 minutes, until they look darker and feel softer.

Step 3: Make the lemon dressing

  • In a small bowl or jar, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth.

Step 4: Add the vegetables

  • Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the kale.

Step 5: Toss the salad

  • Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss well so the kale and vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 6: Add avocado and toppings

  • Gently fold in the diced avocado. Sprinkle feta cheese and sunflower seeds on top, if using.

Step 7: Serve

  • Serve right away, or let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Keyword Avocado Lemon Kale Salad