Description
A vibrant and seasonal Kale Orange Salad bursting with nutritious kale, sweet juicy oranges, tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a bright white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect as a healthy side dish or light meal during winter and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch curly kale (about 9 oz, thick ribs removed, remaining thinly sliced, about 6 cups)
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 3 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1 blood orange (peeled and sliced into rounds then halved; navel orange can be substituted)
- 2 mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
Vinaigrette
- 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (do scant if using table salt)
- 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh orange juice, sea salt, dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Chill until ready to serve.
- Assemble the salad: Add kale, half of the toasted almonds, half of the sliced green onions, and mandarin orange segments to a large salad bowl.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the chilled vinaigrette over the kale mixture and toss well to coat the greens evenly.
- Finish and serve: Top the tossed salad with the remaining almonds, green onions, blood orange slices, and crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for winter and holiday seasons because of its fresh, vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients.
- Blood orange can be substituted with a navel orange if unavailable.
- Toast the sliced almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- Use sea salt for better flavor balance; adjust quantity if using table salt as it is saltier.
- For a vegan option, omit the goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be prepped in advance by keeping dressing and toppings separate until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 414 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
