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Lacinato Kale Superfood Salad – with avocado, apples, cucumbers, pecans, and a creamy citrus tahini dressing. A delicious, nutritious stand alone salad or perfect as a side dish for meals or even holiday menus.
The weather has turned cooler and all of a sudden I’m craving….salad. I know, I know – you expected me to say soup. Truth is, I’m always craving soup. But I’m not always craving salad. We eat a lot of traditional green salads with romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers, but I don’t always go out of my way to create a fancier salad. The last few weeks, though, I’ve really had a taste for loaded leafy green salads with delicious dressings. They’re so easy to throw together for lunch. This Lacinato Kale Superfood Salad has been a favorite – filling and nutritious.
Bonus – kale is a sturdy green that can handle hanging out in salad dressing without getting wilted. So, make a big bowl, store leftovers in the fridge, and enjoy it all week!
Orange Tahini Dressing
I paired this hearty kale salad with my creamy Citrus Tahini Dressing. I love the sweetness of the oranges paired with the bitterness of the tahini. Apple cider vinegar adds some tang. If you like a sweeter salad dressing, a tablespoon of pure maple syrup whisked in would be wonderful.
Superfoods
Let’s talk about how I loaded up this beautiful salad:
Lacinato Kale: Also called Tuscan, Dinosaur, or Black kale, it’s leaves are long, dark, and wrinkly. Kale is a cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) and is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can find. Super high in many vitamins and minerals (like A, K, C, B6, calcium, and potassium), kale also contains anti-oxidants, can help lower blood pressure, and may have protective effects against cancer.
Avocado: High in heart healthy fats, this creamy green fruit also contains lots of fiber, vitamin K, folate, vitamin E, potassium, vitamin C, and more.
Apple: “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” High in fiber and vitamin C, apples may help you regulate blood sugar.
Cucumbers: An incredible veggie for hydration, cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pecans: Satisfying and high in a numerous amount of vitamins, minerals, and protein, pecans also boast heart healthy fats and anti-oxidants.
Entrée or Side Dish
This superfood salad is satisfying enough to enjoy as an entrée, which I’ve been doing for lunches quite a bit. It will serve two a main dish. If you want to stretch it further, it will serve 4 or 5 as a side to a meal. And I think it would look gorgeous on the holiday table, too.
Lacinato Kale Superfood Salad
I hope you enjoy this Lacinato Kale Superfood Salad as much as I do. If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and rating. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!
Lacinato Kale Superfood Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale (tough stems removed, leaves chopped)
- 1 apple (sliced or chopped)
- 1 avocado (sliced or chopped)
- 1/2 large cucumber (sliced or chopped)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (try to find them with no sugar added)
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans*
- 1 recipe Citrus Tahini Dressing
Instructions
- Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl, pour on the dressing, and mix well.
Notes
Nutrition
More Delicious Healthy Salads to Love:
Black Eyed Peas Salad w/ Baby Power Greens
Broccoli & Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Sue Ellen says
Your salads are simply delightful! Even my omni family and friends, who would never eat anything remotely healthy, love them. The salad dressings are simply the best!
Jenn S. says
Thank you Sue Ellen! That is so nice to hear! This Citrus Tahini Dressing is definitely one of my faves. Enjoy your weekend!
Donna says
Hi, Jenn
Thanks for sharing such a delicious salad. Actually, I was searching for some yummy side dish ideas for the upcoming holidays and here it is! Just bookmarked your site.
Thanks again for the dish– you really made my day!
Jenn S. says
Awesome. Thank you so much, Donna! Please report back if you try it.
Cadry says
I completely agree that one of the best parts of kale is that you can make a huge salad and pull from it day after day. It doesn’t wilt & brown like lighter greens. Your citrus dressing sounds so bright & lovely! I always pair tahini with lemon, and so I like that you branched outside of my norms.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Cadry! Let me know if you try the dressing – I think you’ll love it!
Mary Ellen says
Dinosaur kale is my favorite! It’s gotten colder here too but I’m still in the mood for salad. This looks delicious!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Mary Ellen! Enjoy!
Sarah says
Everything about this looks incredible, especially that orange tahini dressing! Can’t wait to try this.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Sarah! I hope you love it!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love these flavors! This is my kind of salad!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Amy! Enjoy!
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
Love the colors on this! Perfect salad for fall season.
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Matt!
Tina Lindquist says
I love a little fruit in my salad, I think the sweetness will go well with the kale and Citrus Tahini Dressing, looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Jenn S. says
Glad you like it. I love fruit in my salads too. A little sweetness the natural way! Thanks, Tina!
Iryna says
That dressing and salad sound amazing! Makes me want to devour the whole bowl for dinner!
Jenn S. says
Enjoy, Iryna!
Kathi says
Love the ingredients on this salad. I feel healthier just looking at it and can’t wait to give it a try!
Jenn S. says
If only we COULD become healthier just by looking! 🙂 Thanks, Kathi!
Ginny McMeans says
What a lovely salad! Love the combination of ingredients and that citrus tahini is so smart. I’m really looking forward to making this.
Jenn S. says
Thanks so much, Ginny!