If you’re not normally a fan of kale, I’d be willing to bet this Kale Salad will change your mind. This recipe is a sweet, and delicious way to incorporate more greens into your day! Filled with fruit, nuts, seeds, and drizzled with a tasty homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this Kale Salad will leave you filled and satiated.
Kale Salad
We firmly believe in the healing power of a plant-forward diet. After all, the foundation of Clean Cuisine is food in its most natural and nutrient-dense state, with a heavy emphasis on plant-based ingredients. Click here to read more about on what clean eating means to us.
However, we understand that getting in your greens, veggies, and fruit in each day can be a challenge. This is even more difficult with a busy schedule, and not enough time to spend in the kitchen. That’s why we love to eat so many salads! Salads are an easy way to pack in not only tons of greens and veggies all at once, but fruit, nuts, seeds, and other superfoods as well!
So while you are welcome to switch up any of the ingredients in this Kale Salad based on preference, here are the ingredients I chose to use…
Ingredients
Kale
As you probably have already guessed, the base of this salad is kale! Kale is incredibly nutrient dense, filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like quercetin, amongst much more!
If you’re not a fan of kale, you definitely should be! With so many different ways to incorporate it into your diet, you don’t have to love the flavor of plain steamed kale to enjoy this powerful veggie.
For some easy recipes with kale, click here!
Mandarin Oranges
Besides mandarin oranges tasting like pure candy, they’re also filled with beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and much more! Perfect as a snack, or to top delicious salads like this one, mandarin oranges are just as healthy as they are delicious!
Looking for more recipes to incorporate mandarins? Try this Creamsicle Drink!
Blueberries
All blueberries are superfoods and full of delicious anti-inflammatory properties, but wild blueberries, pack a much bigger nutrition punch than your typical cultivated blueberry. They even taste better!
So if you have the choice between regular or wild blueberries, we recommend the later for extra nutrition!
Recipes to try:
The BEST Gluten Free Blueberry Waffles
Dried Cranberries
Cranberries are a small, tart fruit filled with antioxidants, anthocyanins (studied to be incredibly anti-inflammatory), and are great for gut health! Enjoy them fresh or dried for a diverse flavor and texture.
Recipes to try:
Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Cranberries
Hemp seeds
We could go on and on about hemp seeds for days! Hemp seeds are actually an incredibly nutrient-dense “superfruit” that look a little like itty bitty sunflower seeds. They are tiny and roundish with a mellow and slightly nutty flavor but, unlike nuts, they are soft in texture, making them perfect for topping salads, yogurt, smoothies, and much more!
Hemp seeds are an incredible plant based source of biologically available and easily digested protein. Hemp seeds also contain a healthy anti-inflammatory 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fat. In addition, hemp seeds contain an especially beneficial type of omega-6 fat called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). GLA is a direct building block of good anti-inflammatory hormones.
Recipes to try:
Hormone Balancing Smoothie for Women over 40
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are very small seeds that become gelatinous when exposed to water, making them incredibly versatile! They are full of antioxidants, fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and much more!
Because they’re so diverse, they can easily be incorporated into a variety of recipes.
Recipes to try:
Gluten Free Pie Crust with Chia Seeds
Almonds
Almonds are a nutrient-dense tree nut full of vitamin e, magnesium, protein, tons of antioxidants, and much more! They function incredibly well as a grain-free flour, and make a great nut-butter as well! This tiny powerhouses are a great grab-and-go snack to keep you satiated all day long.
Recipes to try:
Now since we’ve explored all the ingredients of this Kale Salad, let’s get into the recipe!
PrintKale Salad
Filled with fruit, nuts, seeds, and drizzled with a tasty homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this Kale Salad will leave you filled and satiated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Kale Salad *See Notes*
- 2 cups fresh kale
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries -opt for a brand without added sugar
- 1/2 cup wild blueberries
- 1 mandarin orange
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon spicy or dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1.5 tablespoons honey -may swap for maple if vegan
Instructions
Salad
- Begin by placing fresh kale on a dinner plate or in a bowl to serve as the bed of the salad.
- Peel mandarin orange, and break apart into slices.
- Add dried cranberries, wild blueberries, sliced mandarins, almonds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Set aside.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Add all ingredients into a bowl (can also use a food processor). Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.
- Drizzle on top of salad, and store the rest in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
The measurements given for the Kale Salad are preference, and completely customizable. Add more, or less of any of these to make this salad your own!
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