Summer Kale Salad

Name: Summer Kale Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brussels sprouts (Shredded); 2 cups kale (Chopped); 1 wild caught salmon filet; 1-2 tbsp olive oil; salt & pepper (To taste); 2 tbsp hemp seeds; 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds; 1/2 avocado; 2 tbsp tahini; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; salt (To taste); 2 sprigs fresh dill; 2 sprigs fresh oregano; water (To thin); ½ tbsp lemon juice

by Kelsey Romano on June 18, 2024

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This summer kale salad is the perfect light and fresh meal. When it starts to get hot outside I crave all of the refreshing meals like this one. The salad starts with a roasted brussels and kale topped with a creamy avocado herb dressing and baked salmon which creates the perfect summer dish. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, is incredibly easy and is packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Incredibly easy. This summer kale salad couldn’t be easier to make.
Versatile. The great thing about this is how versatile it is. Add whatever veggies you’d like, switch up the protein, etc.
Light & fresh. There’s nothing more refreshing than a big salad in the summer.
Packed with nutrients. This salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins & minerals.
Family favorite. This will quickly become a family favorite. It’s truly a recipe that everyone will love.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Paleo. It is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo making it enjoyable for many different diets and lifestyles.
It can be a side dish or the main course. It can be paired with your favorite meal or served as a main course with a protein of your choice.
Done in under 30 minutes. Not only is this easy to make but it’s also quick! All you need is 30 minutes and you have a delicious meal.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Extra virgin olive oil. This will be used for multiple aspects of the recipe, to cook the salmon, to massage the kale, and for the dressing.
Brussels sprouts. You will need 1 cup of shredded brussels sprouts (about 5-6 brussels sprouts).
Kale. You will need 2 cups of shredded kale for this summer kale salad. I prefer to lightly massage the kale with a dash of olive oil and some salt to soften it. Dino kale or green curly kale works.
Salmon. Salmon is the protein used in this salad, you will need two 6oz filets. You can sub with protein of choice.
Avocado. This will be the base of the creamy avocado dressing.
Tahini. Tahini adds a slightly nutty flavor to the dressing. Make sure you use one the is thin and runny. I love Soom Foods tahini.
Garlic. 2 cloves of garlic, minced. About 1-2 tsp.
Fresh herbs. Herbs will really enhance the dressing and add vibrancy. I used fresh dill, oregano, and cilantro.
Lemon juice. You will need about 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice.
Optional toppings. I love topping it with some nuts & seeds to add protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Pumpkin and hemp seeds are a delicious addition.

How to Make this Summer Kale Salad

Step 1

Make the dressing. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until creamy. Add water to reach desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 2

Cook the salmon. Preheat oven to 425. Season salmon with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness of salmon.

Step 3

Slightly roast the kale & brussels. Add kale and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl with olive oil and salt, then massage. Spread on a greased baking sheet. Place in the oven and cook for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Serve & enjoy! Remove everything from oven once it’s finished. Add kale and brussels mix to a bowl, top with salmon, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle on hemp & pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!

Expert tips

Slightly massage the kale with olive oil and salt to help soften it.
Lightly roast the kale and brussels in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, I think this really adds to the flavor but you can totally skip this step for a nice cold salad.
Serve as a main course with the baked salmon or emit the salmon and serve as a side dish with your favorite meal.
Have fun with the herbs and toppings! This summer kale salad is super versatile. Switch up the herbs and toppings to create your dream dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to serve this summer kale salad?

It is best served fresh! Serve it with baked salmon, fresh herbs, and some nuts/seeds for a delicious balanced meal.

Is this allergy friendly?

It is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo making it enjoyable for many different diets and lifestyles.

How do I store it?

While I don’t think it is as good as leftovers you can store the salad, dressing, and salmon in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 1-2 days.