Dinner
Kale Salad with Avocado and Pine Nuts (Vegan & Gluten Free)
A simple but incredibly nutritious and tasty salad. The kale is massaged for a more tender texture, the avocado provides a creamy richness and the pine nuts provide a delicate crunch. Perfect for a light dinner or healthy side dish.
Total time: ⏱ 15 min🍽 2 servingsDifficulty: EasyPreparation time: Not specifiedCooking time: Not specified
Nutritional values have not been calculated for this recipe.
A bowl of fresh, green kale, topped with creamy avocado slices and golden pine nuts, on a beige background.
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
- 2 tbsp. pine nuts, lightly toasted
- For the lemon vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation steps
- Prepare the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Add a pinch of salt and massage the leaves with your hands for 1-2 minutes until they soften and turn a brighter green. This makes the kale more digestible and flavorful.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Add the diced or sliced avocado to the massaged kale. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad.
- Gently mix all the ingredients to coat the kale and avocado with the vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the toasted pine nuts.
Chef’s tip
For variety, you can add other crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or radishes, or seeds of sunflower for extra crunch. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can also complement the lemon vinaigrette for a different touch of acidity.
