Description
A vibrant, nutrient-packed kale salad with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, Asian-inspired ginger peanut dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch kale (curly or lacinato), stems removed and chopped
- 2 carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–4 tbsp water (to thin dressing)
- Olive oil or salt (for massaging kale)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Massage the kale with a small drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes until it softens and darkens in color.
- Julienne or shred the carrots, thinly slice the bell pepper and cabbage, and chop the green onions and cilantro.
- Add all the prepared vegetables and peanuts to the bowl with the kale.
- In a separate bowl or blender, combine peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, and garlic. Blend or whisk until smooth. Add water 1 tbsp at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Add cooked quinoa or farro to make it a grain salad.
- Top with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
- Swap peanuts for cashews or almonds.
- Use tahini instead of peanut butter for a sesame twist.
- Add sliced mango or mandarin oranges for sweetness.
- Massage kale even if pre-chopped for best texture.
- Dressing can be made in advance and stored for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg