Craving a salad that's not just healthy, but explosively delicious? Get ready to transform your lunch routine with this Asian Kale Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with vibrant flavors, nutrient-dense ingredients, and a tantalizing dressing that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe is more than just a salad—it's a culinary adventure that bridges fresh, wholesome ingredients with bold Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a flavor seeker, or someone looking to elevate their meal prep game, this salad promises to be a game-changer that will leave you wanting more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup edamame, shelled
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the kale by washing thoroughly and removing tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook farro according to package instructions. Typically, rinse 1 cup of farro, combine with 3 cups of water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and let cool.
- Shell edamame if not already prepared. If using frozen edamame, steam or boil for 3-4 minutes until tender and bright green.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes, ensuring to remove the core and seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create the dressing. Mix until well combined.
- Add cooled farro, diced apple, and edamame to the bowl with chopped kale.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Massage the kale: To reduce bitterness and tenderize the leaves, spend a few extra minutes massaging the chopped kale with a bit of olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Farro preparation: For best results, rinse farro thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris. Toast the grains lightly in a dry pan before boiling to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Apple selection: Choose a crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a nice contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
- Dressing tip: Make the dressing ahead of time and let it sit for 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Make it ahead: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
- Protein boost: Feel free to add grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon to turn this into a more substantial main course salad.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the kale's crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
