Avocado & Kale Power Salad
A nutrient-dense salad with tender massaged kale, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to support skin health and energy levels. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs stems removed and thinly sliced kale, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, stems removed and thinly sliced kale
- 1, diced avocado
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, massage 1 tsp of the dressing into the sliced kale for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns bright green.
- Step 3: Add diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pumpkin seeds to the kale, then drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado & Kale Power Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Avocado & Kale Power Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado & Kale Power Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Avocado & Kale Power Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Avocado & Kale Power Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this avocado are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
