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Strawberry Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Strawberry Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing for Summer Freshness

Enjoy a vibrant Strawberry Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Healthy
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups Kale Use tender varieties or massage to enhance tenderness.
  • 2 cups Fresh Strawberries Substitute with raspberries or sliced peaches if not in season.
  • 1 cup Fresh Blueberries Can be swapped for blackberries.
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Consider using raisins or chopped dates as alternatives.
  • 1/2 cup Candied Pepitas Replace with candied walnuts or pecans if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Any mild oil works as a substitute.
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be a refreshing alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Use maple syrup for a vegan version.
  • 1 clove Garlic Omit if allergic or sensitive.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Feel free to use sea salt instead.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • Sheet Pan
  • Jar or Bowl for Dressing

Method
 

Prepare Candied Pepitas
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a parchment-lined sheet pan, combine pepitas, honey, and a drizzle of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir the mixture, and return to the oven for an additional 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning, then set aside to cool completely.
Make Dressing
  1. In a small jar or bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt. Secure the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously to emulsify the dressing until all ingredients are well combined and slightly thickened. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.
Massage Kale
  1. Place the sliced kale into a large mixing bowl, then drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of the prepared honey lemon dressing. Using your hands, massage the kale leaves gently for approximately 30-45 seconds, until they soften and darken in color.
Combine Salad
  1. Add the juicy strawberries, blueberries, and dried cranberries to the massaged kale. Use tongs or your hands to gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of fruit throughout the salad.
Serve
  1. Drizzle the salad with any remaining honey lemon dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Top with the cooled candied pepitas to add a crunchy texture. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad bowlCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store unassembled salad components in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Combine dressing with kale just before serving to prevent sogginess.

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