Sweet Orange Kale Salad
/Oh hiiii there. It’s been a few too many days since I last posted. So let’s get right down to it.
Meals around here have been quick + dirty lately. Not much fuss, not much cleanup, but still healthy. This salad is pretty basic. It has a bright + lively burst of orange and tons of those kale nutrients we all love.
While basic, I love showing side dishes and meals like this because I think it helps show how simple food can be. This takes just under 10 minutes to get from your kitchen to your table. While it isn’t exactly a main course, I could see it easily paired or topped with roasted chickpeas, quinoa, avocado, tempeh, baked sweet potato, and the list goes on. How about some avocado toast? That takes all of 3 1/2 minutes to make.
So there you go. Dinner [or lunch] in under 15 minutes. Kale salad + avocado toast. BAM. Just like that and we’re done.
Our dinners go in waves around here. Sometimes I have them planned out for the week and sometimes not. Sometimes they take an hour to make and sometimes they’re what you see above with a carb-loaded side. The weeks have been chaotic lately but it’s these quick + nutrient dense recipes that keep me from running for takeout or freezer meals.
Sweet Orange Kale Salad
gluten-free, vegan // yields 2 large servings
- 1/4 cup fresh squeeze orange juice, strained
- 3 tablespoons walnut oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
- pinch of salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed
- 1-2 oranges, peeled + segments sliced out
- toasted pecans
Place the juice, oil, vinegar, maple syrup, zest, salt, and cayenne pepper in a jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until combined. Taste and adjust as needed [pinch more salt/cayenne/zest/etc. if desired].
Tear or chop kale leaves and place in a large bowl. Pour desired amount of dressing over the greens and sprinkle with salt. Massage the dressing into the greens and add more if needed. Portion out and top with orange segments and pecans.
Any quick + dirty meals you’re loving lately? I am still on a simple loaded soup kick over here!
Ashley
