We’ve always been fans of the vibrant True Food Kale Salad from True Food Kitchen a spot that champions fresh wholesome eats. Originating from their menu it’s a nutrient-packed favorite that blends hearty kale with zesty flavors making it a go-to for health-conscious foodies.
We love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness right to your kitchen. It’s simple to whip up yet delivers a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Let’s dive into why it’ll become your new salad staple.
Ingredients
To bring the vibrant, nutrient-rich flavors of our True Food Kale Salad to life, we gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for effortless preparation.
- Kale: 2 bunches (about 8 cups), washed, destemmed, and massaged to soften the leaves and enhance their texture.
- Avocado: 1 large ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and diced for creamy richness.
- Almonds: ½ cup raw almonds, toasted in a dry skillet for 5 minutes until golden and crunchy for added protein and nutty flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup shaved Parmesan, grated fresh for a sharp, savory contrast that elevates the salad’s appeal.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved for a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red onion: ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.
- Lemon: 2 fresh lemons, juiced (about ¼ cup) for zesty acidity that brightens the dish.
- Olive oil: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, for a smooth base in the dressing.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced for aromatic depth in the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, freshly ground for seasoning balance.
This selection ensures our salad delivers the hearty crunch and wholesome goodness that makes it a kitchen staple.
Required Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly prepare our True Food Kale Salad, we need a few essential tools and equipment that ensure efficient and safe handling of ingredients. These items help us achieve the perfect texture and flavor, building on the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools, organized by their primary use in the recipe process:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for chopping kale, slicing cherry tomatoes, and dicing red onion to maintain precision and safety.
- Chef’s Knife: Our go-to for finely chopping kale and mincing garlic, delivering clean cuts that enhance the salad’s hearty crunch.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing all ingredients together with lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and seasonings, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice, promoting consistent results every time.
- Salad Spinner: Highly recommended for washing and drying kale leaves thoroughly, removing excess moisture to prevent a soggy salad.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Perfect for extracting fresh lemon juice without seeds or pulp, adding that zesty brightness effortlessly.
- Skillet or Toaster Oven: Used for toasting almonds to golden perfection, amplifying their nutty flavor and adding satisfying texture.
- Vegetable Peeler or Grater: Necessary for shaving Parmesan cheese into delicate ribbons, providing a creamy contrast to the salad’s crisp elements.
| Tool | Primary Use in This Recipe | Versatility Across Recipes (e.g., Salads, Other Dishes) |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Board | Chopping ingredients | High (used in 90% of prep tasks) |
| Chef’s Knife | Precise cutting | High (essential for most cooking) |
| Large Mixing Bowl | Tossing salad | Medium (common in salads and baking) |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate measurements | High (standard in all recipes) |
| Salad Spinner | Washing and drying greens | Medium (specific to fresh produce prep) |
| Citrus Juicer | Juicing lemon | Low (mostly for citrus-based dishes) |
| Skillet or Toaster Oven | Toasting nuts | High (versatile for toasting and cooking) |
| Vegetable Peeler/Grater | Shaving cheese | Medium (useful for garnishes and veggies) |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our vibrant True Food Kale Salad, ensuring a restaurant-quality crunch and zesty flavor in every bite.
Prep the Kale
To start, we begin with the hearty kale, the star of this nutrient-packed salad. First, rinse 8 cups of kale leaves under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry using a salad spinner for crisp results. Next, strip the leaves from the tough stems and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board with a chef’s knife—this step softens the texture and enhances the salad’s satisfying crunch. Finally, in a large mixing bowl, massage the chopped kale with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for 2-3 minutes; this tenderizes the leaves, releasing their earthy aroma and making them more palatable while preserving their vivid green color.
Make the Dressing
With the kale prepped, we shift to crafting a zesty dressing that ties the salad together. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, tangy blend—the garlic’s pungent kick combined with the lemon’s bright acidity creates an irresistible flavor that elevates the salad’s freshness. For the best taste, let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a glossy finish ready to coat every ingredient.
Assemble the Salad
Finally, we bring everything together for a colorful, wholesome dish. In the large mixing bowl with the prepped kale, add 1 diced avocado, 1/2 cup of toasted almonds for a nutty crunch, 1/4 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, then gently toss all the elements with tongs or your hands to ensure even coating—the creamy avocado blends with the kale‘s earthiness, while the tomatoes add a juicy burst, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that make this True Food Kale Salad irresistibly fresh and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our preparation of the True Food Kale Salad, we can handle several components ahead of time while preserving the dish’s vibrant flavors and crisp texture. This approach ensures our salad remains fresh and ready for quick assembly, making it ideal for busy days or meal prepping.
Prepping the Kale
We recommend preparing the kale up to 24 hours in advance to allow its flavors to develop without losing crunch.
- Wash and dry the kale: Rinse 1 bunch of kale under cold water, remove the stems, and spin it dry in a salad spinner.
- Massage with lemon: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the kale with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and massage it for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns a deeper green.
- Store properly: Transfer the massaged kale to an airtight container, cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, and refrigerate. This step enhances the kale’s tenderness and prevents wilting for up to 24 hours.
Making the Dressing
Our zesty dressing can be whipped up a day or two ahead, giving the flavors time to meld for a more robust taste.
- Whisk the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified.
- Storage tips: Pour the dressing into a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 48 hours, but give it a good shake before use to rekindle its bright, tangy essence. Avoid adding it to the salad until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Toasting the Almonds
Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, and we can prepare them in advance for effortless integration.
- Toast ahead: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast ½ cup sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant.
- Cool and store: Let the almonds cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week, retaining their nutty aroma and texture.
Chopping Vegetables and Other Add-Ins
For efficiency, we can chop and prepare other elements the night before without compromising quality.
- Prepare vegetables: Slice ½ red onion into thin rings and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep their fresh, juicy appeal intact for up to 24 hours.
- Handle delicate items: Items like avocado and shaved Parmesan should be prepped no more than 1-2 hours ahead to avoid browning. Slice the avocado just before assembling and store the Parmesan wrapped in plastic in the fridge.
By following these steps, we maximize our time while ensuring the True Food Kale Salad delivers its signature nutrient-packed punch and eye-catching colors when served. Always check for freshness before assembling to maintain the salad’s optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this True Food Kale Salad recipe with us. It’s a simple way to bring fresh, nutrient-packed meals into our daily routines that taste as good as they look.
By incorporating these steps we’ve outlined, you’ll enjoy a salad that’s both satisfying and versatile for any occasion. Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens and elevate our healthy eating habits today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the True Food Kale Salad?
The True Food Kale Salad is a nutrient-packed dish from True Food Kitchen, featuring fresh kale mixed with avocado, toasted almonds, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. It’s known for its zesty flavors, hearty crunch, and easy preparation, making it a go-to for health-conscious eaters. This salad combines simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both delicious and wholesome.
What ingredients are needed for the True Food Kale Salad?
You’ll need fresh kale, avocado, toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. These high-quality items are listed in order of use for effortless prep, delivering a balance of crunch, creaminess, and zest. Prep notes ensure everything comes together smoothly for a vibrant, nutrient-rich salad.
What tools and equipment are required to make the salad?
Essential tools include a cutting board and chef’s knife for chopping, a large mixing bowl for tossing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a salad spinner for drying kale, a citrus juicer for lemon, a skillet or toaster oven for toasting almonds, and a vegetable peeler or grater for cheese. These items help achieve perfect texture and flavor while ensuring safe, efficient preparation.
How do I prepare the True Food Kale Salad?
Start by rinsing, drying, and massaging kale with lemon juice. Whisk a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toast almonds, chop veggies, and assemble by combining kale with avocado, almonds, Parmesan, tomatoes, and onion. Toss with dressing for a fresh, crunchy salad. The process is straightforward and takes minimal time for a satisfying result.
Can I make the True Food Kale Salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep kale up to 24 hours in advance, make the dressing a day or two ahead for better flavor, and toast almonds early for extra crunch. Chop red onion and tomatoes the night before, but add avocado and Parmesan just before serving to keep them fresh. This approach makes it ideal for meal prep, ensuring the salad stays vibrant and delicious on busy days.