Description
This Citrus Kale Salad with Avocado is fresh, vibrant, and nourishing — the perfect balance of zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and hearty kale. A simple citrus vinaigrette ties everything together for a refreshing winter salad that’s bursting with flavor and color.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
- 1 orange (blood orange or navel), peeled and segmented
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented (optional for variety)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup toasted almonds or pistachios (optional)
Citrus Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh orange or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Add sliced kale to a large bowl. Drizzle with a small splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage kale for 1–2 minutes to soften and reduce bitterness, improving the texture.
- Add salad ingredients: Add citrus segments, avocado, red onion, and nuts (if using) to the massaged kale in the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh citrus juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine and serve: Pour the citrus dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Serve the salad fresh for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Massaging kale reduces bitterness and improves texture — don’t skip this step!
- Add quinoa or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
- Assemble ahead by prepping kale and citrus; add avocado and dressing just before serving to keep avocado fresh.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
