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Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and nourishing Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing featuring crisp kale leaves, tangy lemon dressing, savory smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts. This fresh, colorful salad is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 cups fresh curly kale leaves, washed and chopped
  • 4 strips smoked turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled or cubed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Lemon Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (natural)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale: Wash the kale leaves thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the thick stems, then chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes until it softens, darkens in color, and becomes tender to reduce bitterness.
  2. Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon strips for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.
  3. Whisk the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), extra-virgin olive oil (natural), salt (natural), and black pepper (natural). Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the massaged kale with the lemon dressing until all leaves are fully coated. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, cherry tomatoes, and toasted walnuts. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Optionally garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or thin lemon zest curls. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Massage the kale well to soften its fibrous texture and reduce bitterness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks vibrancy.
  • Toast walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and aroma.
  • If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a little maple syrup (natural) to balance the acidity.
  • Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying and Tossing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, healthy salad, gluten free, quick salad

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/kale-salad-with-lemon-dressing/