This spicy kale salad is crisp, vibrant, and packed with bold flavour—perfect for anyone who thinks salads are boring. Massaged kale turns tender and silky, while apple, avocado, and sundried tomatoes add balance and richness. Finished with a gentle kick of cayenne and garlic, this salad works beautifully as a light meal or a fresh side dish alongside grilled meat or fish.
Kale salads are popular around the world, but this version leans into a Korean-inspired flavour balance—bold seasoning, freshness, and contrast. The key technique here is massaging the kale, which softens the leaves and removes bitterness without cooking. Paired with creamy avocado, sweet apple, and savoury sundried tomatoes, every bite hits spicy, fresh, and satisfying. Kale is also loaded with fibre, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making this dish both nourishing and crave-worthy. Choose deep green kale with firm leaves, and enjoy this salad fresh or within a day for the best texture.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
• Kale → The hearty base; massaging makes it tender and less bitter
• Olive oil → Softens the kale and carries flavour
• Red onion → Adds sharpness and contrast
• Sundried tomatoes → Brings umami and depth
• Apple → Fresh sweetness and crunch
• Avocado → Creamy texture that balances spice
• Garlic → Bold savoury backbone
• Lemon juice → Brightens and lifts the salad
• Cayenne pepper → Gentle heat without overpowering
• Parmesan cheese → Salty, savoury finish
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15
minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Cuisine:
Korean-inspired / Asian fusion Estimated Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Serving Size: 2–3 servings
π Ingredients
• Kale leaves – 250 g (9 oz), stems removed (about 100 g usable leaves)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Red onion – ¼ small, finely diced
• Sundried tomatoes – 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Apple – 1 small, diced
• Avocado – 1 ripe, diced
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Garlic – 1 teaspoon, minced
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Parmesan cheese – for garnish
π¨π³ Instructions
1. Wash the kale thoroughly and pat dry. Remove the tough stalks and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place kale in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and massage firmly for 2–3 minutes until the leaves darken and soften.
3. Add red onion, sundried tomatoes, apple, and avocado to the bowl.
4. Sprinkle in salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
5. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Finish with a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Ingredient Substitutions
• Vegan: Skip parmesan or use nutritional yeast
• Milder spice: Reduce cayenne or swap with paprika
• Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon
• Time-saving tip: Pre-chopped kale works, but massage well
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep ingredients ahead, but mix just before serving
for best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in
an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Q: What can I use instead of kale?
A:
Swiss chard or baby spinach works, but skip the massage step.
Wrap-Up
This spicy kale salad proves that healthy food can still be bold and satisfying. It’s quick, flexible, and perfect for everyday meals or entertaining. How would you customise this salad—more spice or extra crunch?
If
you enjoy fresh side dishes like this, try my Korean-style Kale & seaweed Side Dish on the
blog at cookwithjuyea.blogspot.com.
Keywords (ν€μλ)
Spicy kale
salad, massaged kale salad, Korean-inspired salad, healthy kale recipe, easy
side salad, μΌμΌ μλ¬λ, 맀콀ν μλ¬λ, 건κ°ν μλ¬λ, μΌμΌ μ리, κ°λ¨ν λ°μ°¬
Comments
Post a Comment