Description
A vibrant and crunchy salad combining kale, cabbage, apple, cucumber, celery, and scallions with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Topped with crunchy peanuts, seeds, and creamy feta cheese, this fresh salad is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 large bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of cumin (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 1 (10 to 12-ounce) bunch lacinato kale, chopped or torn into small pieces
- 1/4 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple, diced into about ¼ inch pieces
- 3 Persian or Kirby cucumbers, diced about ¼ inch
- 2 stalks celery, diced about ¼ inch
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup roasted and unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup roasted and unsalted seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin)
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Add the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and honey to a food processor or blender. Blend until the cilantro has been finely chopped. While blending, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Season with a pinch of cumin if using, and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the salad: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Massage the kale gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves darken slightly and soften. This process reduces the kale’s bitterness and improves texture.
- Assemble the salad: Add the chopped green cabbage, diced Granny Smith apple, diced cucumbers, diced celery, thinly sliced scallions, roughly chopped peanuts, roasted seeds, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the kale. Toss the ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour your desired amount of the prepared cilantro-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is key to making it tender and less bitter.
- You can substitute the peanuts and seeds with your favorite nuts or seeds, toasted if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste and desired salad moisture level.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be an excellent addition.
- To make this salad vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
