Description
Kale Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing is a flavorful, nutrient-packed salad that features tender kale leaves combined with a variety of colorful, crunchy vegetables. What truly sets this salad apart is the carrot-ginger dressing, which adds a burst of sweet and savory flavor while providing a creamy texture. This dressing is made from fresh carrots, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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4 cups kale (stems removed and leaves chopped)
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1 cup carrots (grated or julienned)
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1/2 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
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1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
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1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
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1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
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1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Carrot Ginger Dressing:
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1 cup carrots (chopped)
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
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1/4 cup olive oil or sesame oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Ginger Dressing
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Begin by preparing the Carrot Ginger Dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped carrots, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and olive oil.
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Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick for your liking, you can add a small amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Set the dressing aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
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Next, it’s time to prepare the salad. Start by removing the stems from the kale and chopping the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Add the kale to a large mixing bowl.
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Massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves become tender and dark green. This will help soften the kale, making it easier to eat and more flavorful.
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Add the grated carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, red bell pepper, and green onions to the bowl, combining everything together.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
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Pour the prepared carrot-ginger dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated in the dressing.
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Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more flavorful.
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Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
To boost the flavor and texture, consider adding sliced avocado, roasted chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts like almonds or cashews can also add a nice crunch and extra nutrients!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired