Clear All Citrus Kale Salad
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad where perfectly balanced acidity and crunch create a refreshing 'clear' taste sensation. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs bunch, stems removed kale, segmented orange, segmented blood orange into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 1 bunch, stems removed kale
- 2, segmented orange
- 1, segmented blood orange
- 1, diced avocado
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Massage 1 bunch chopped kale with 1/2 tsp salt for 2 minutes until tender and dark green. Place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 diced avocado pieces, and 2 segmented oranges to the kale. Toss gently with dressing until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Top with 1 segmented blood orange, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately while kale is crisp-tender and dressing is bright.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Clear All Citrus Kale Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Clear All Citrus Kale 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 bunch, stems removed kale from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Clear All Citrus Kale 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 Clear All Citrus Kale Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Clear All Citrus Kale Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
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