Description
A fresh, vibrant, and nutritious Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing featuring crisp kale leaves, a tangy lemon dressing, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect as a quick lunch or a colorful side dish that combines bright flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups hearty curly kale leaves, washed, stems removed, chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced (optional)
Lemon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Wash kale leaves thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove tough stems and chop or tear into bite-sized pieces. Massage the leaves gently with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to soften and mellow the kale fibers.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Slice the turkey bacon into small strips. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy and aromatic. Drain excess fat on paper towels and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, grainy mustard, minced garlic (if using), natural gelling agent, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and slightly thickened for perfect coating.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the massaged kale with the lemon dressing until evenly coated. Add crispy smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese crumbles, and crushed walnuts. Gently toss to combine flavors and textures.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer salad to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest curls if desired and serve fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- Massage your kale to soften it and make it easier to digest.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant dressing flavor.
- Lightly toast walnuts before adding to deepen flavor and enhance crunch.
- Control dressing thickness by slowly adding olive oil to the natural gelling agent.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, healthy salad, gluten free salad
