Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a vibrant, flavor-packed explosion of nutrition that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This Kale Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette is the ultimate game-changer in the world of healthy eating. Packed with nutrient-dense kale, crunchy carrots, and a zingy ginger dressing that will wake up your palate, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone looking to add more excitement to your meals, this salad is your ticket to delicious wellness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups kale, chopped
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the kale. Rinse the 6 cups of kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and place the kale on a cutting board.
- Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. You can remove the tough stems if desired, as they can be fibrous. Once chopped, place the kale in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the carrot. Peel the carrot and use a grater or a food processor to shred it finely. Add the shredded carrot to the bowl with the kale.
- In a small bowl, prepare the ginger vinaigrette. Start by grating 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger. Make sure to use a microplane or a fine grater for a smooth texture.
- To the bowl with the grated ginger, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the ginger vinaigrette over the kale and carrot mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the kale and carrot are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds over the top. Toss the salad again lightly to distribute the sesame seeds throughout.
- Season the salad with salt to taste. Start with a small pinch and adjust according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help soften the kale slightly.
- Serve the kale salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious dish as a side or a light main course.
Tips
- Massage Your Kale: To make the kale more tender and less bitter, spend a few minutes massaging the chopped leaves with a bit of olive oil before adding the dressing.
- Fresh Ginger is Key: Use fresh ginger root for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid pre-ground ginger, as it lacks the punch of fresh grated ginger.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and softens the kale slightly.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add additional toppings like toasted almonds or crispy chickpeas for extra texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and vinegar levels to suit your preference. Everyone's palate is different!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
