We love diving into the fresh and flavorful world of True Food Kitchen’s kale salad, a dish that’s become a go-to for health enthusiasts everywhere. Packed with nutrient-rich kale and zesty toppings it’s a vibrant nod to modern wellness cuisine that keeps us coming back for more.
As fans of their seasonal approach we’re excited to recreate this crowd-pleaser at home capturing the essence of what makes True Food Kitchen special.
Our simple take ensures you get that same burst of goodness without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
As we dive into recreating our favorite kale salad from True Food Kitchen, let’s gather the fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients that make this dish a standout. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically prepared and used, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless assembly.
- Kale: 6 cups fresh kale leaves (such as Lacinato or curly varieties), washed thoroughly, stems removed, and chopped into bite-sized pieces to form the hearty base of our salad.
- Lemon: 2 medium lemons, juiced (yielding about ¼ cup fresh juice) and zested (1 tablespoon zest), which we’ll use early for bright acidity in the dressing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: ¼ cup, high-quality and cold-pressed, to blend into our dressing for a smooth, flavorful emulsion.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced finely, as this aromatic addition enhances the dressing’s depth right after the lemon.
- Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced, prepared just before mixing to prevent browning and add creamy texture.
- Almonds: ½ cup raw almonds, toasted in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until golden, then roughly chopped for a crunchy topping.
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, shaved with a peeler for a nutty finish, added towards the end for optimal melt and flavor integration.
- Apple: 1 crisp apple (like Fuji or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced, to introduce a sweet-tart element that balances the greens.
- Salt and pepper: ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to taste during the final toss for seasoning harmony.
This selection highlights the vibrant, health-focused essence of True Food Kitchen’s approach, with each ingredient contributing to a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Equipment Needed
To bring our True Food Kitchen-inspired kale salad to life, we gather straightforward tools that ensure efficient preparation and maintain the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.
Kitchen Tools
For the foundational setup in our kitchen, we rely on these essential items to handle basic tasks like measuring and mixing:
- Large mixing bowl: We use this to combine ingredients like kale and dressing for even tossing and coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of items such as olive oil and lemon juice are crucial for replicating the salad’s balanced taste.
- Chef’s knife: This tool helps us chop ingredients precisely to achieve the fresh, crisp texture that defines our kale salad.
Salad Preparation Tools
- Salad spinner: We employ this to dry kale leaves thoroughly, preventing a watery salad and preserving the crunch we love in True Food Kitchen’s version.
- Cutting board: A stable surface where we slice avocado, apple, and almonds safely and efficiently for optimal freshness.
- Grater or microplane: Ideal for finely grating garlic and Parmesan, we use this to add the subtle flavors that elevate our salad’s nutrient-packed profile.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients and essential tools lined up, let’s walk through the steps to create True Food Kitchen’s vibrant kale salad. We’ll ensure each stage highlights the crisp textures and zesty flavors that make this dish a favorite.
Prepare the Kale
First, we rinse the 6 cups of kale under cold water to remove any grit, then pat it dry using our salad spinner for that perfect crispness. Next, we strip the leaves from the tough stems and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces on our cutting board with a chef’s knife. To enhance the tender, earthy bite, we massage the kale for 2-3 minutes by gently rubbing the leaves with our hands until they soften and turn a deeper green, releasing their natural juices for a more palatable texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Make the Dressing
We start by juicing 2 lemons to yield about 1/4 cup of fresh, tangy juice, which forms the base of our zesty dressing. In a small bowl, we grate 1 clove of garlic using a microplane for a pungent, aromatic punch, then whisk in 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, golden dressing that carries bright, citrusy notes with a subtle garlic kick, perfect for elevating the salad’s freshness.
Assemble the Salad
We begin by tossing the prepared kale in a large mixing bowl with our homemade dressing, coating the leaves evenly for a flavorful infusion that lets the greens shine. Add 1 diced avocado for creamy richness, 1/2 cup of toasted almonds for a satisfying crunch, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty savoriness, and 1 thinly sliced crisp apple for a sweet, juicy contrast. Gently mix everything together with our hands or tongs until well combined, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that delivers a fresh, nutrient-packed salad ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you enjoy our kale salad with minimal last-minute effort, we recommend preparing certain components in advance while preserving the dish’s fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. This approach keeps the salad nutritious and appealing, just like at True Food Kitchen.
Preparing the Kale
We suggest prepping the kale up to 24 hours ahead to save time. Start by rinsing 6 cups of kale leaves under cold water, then pat them dry with a salad spinner. Massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn a deeper green, enhancing their tender, earthy bite. Store the massaged kale in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and refrigerate it. This step ensures the kale remains crisp and ready to absorb dressings without wilting.
Making the Dressing
The zesty dressing can be whipped up ahead of time for easy assembly. In a small bowl, combine juice from 2 lemons, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until emulsified, creating a tangy, aromatic blend that brightens the salad’s flavors. Transfer the dressing to a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remember, shake well before using to maintain its fresh, citrusy zing and prevent separation.
Toasting the Almonds
Toasted almonds add a nutty, crunchy element that elevates the salad’s texture. Toast ½ cup of almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This pre-toasting step keeps the almonds crisp and flavorful, ready to sprinkle on for that satisfying crunch.
Prepping Other Ingredients
For optimal freshness, prepare the remaining ingredients 1-2 hours before serving. Slice 1 crisp apple and toss it with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning, then store in the fridge. Cube 1 avocado just before assembling to avoid oxidation, as its creamy texture can turn mushy if prepped too early. Grate ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips and Timeline
To guide your make-ahead planning, here’s a quick overview of preparation timelines and storage methods:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massaged Kale | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Maintains crispness; avoid overcrowding to prevent sogginess |
| Dressing | Up to 3 days | Sealed jar in fridge | Shake before use; flavors intensify over time |
| Toasted Almonds | Up to 1 week | Airtight container at room temp | Keeps crunch; store away from moisture |
| Prepped Apple | Up to 2 hours | Covered bowl in fridge | Lemon juice prevents browning for a fresh, juicy bite |
By following these steps, we ensure your kale salad assembles quickly with maximum flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for busy days or meal prep.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on True Food Kitchen’s kale salad, a simple way to bring fresh, nutrient-rich meals into our everyday routines. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s about embracing vibrant flavors that nourish us from the inside out.
Give it a try and make it your own; we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, proving that healthy eating can be delicious and effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is True Food Kitchen’s kale salad?
True Food Kitchen’s kale salad is a popular, nutrient-packed dish favored by health enthusiasts. It features fresh kale mixed with zesty lemon dressing, avocado, toasted almonds, Parmesan, and crisp apple for vibrant flavors and textures.
What ingredients are needed for the kale salad?
The key ingredients include 6 cups of kale, 2 lemons, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, avocado, toasted almonds, Parmesan cheese, and a crisp apple. These fresh, nutrient-rich items combine to create a delicious, health-focused salad that’s easy to prepare at home.
How do I make kale salad at home?
Start by rinsing and massaging 6 cups of kale. Whisk a dressing from lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Toss with kale, then add avocado, toasted almonds, Parmesan, and sliced apple. This simple process takes minutes and keeps the dish fresh and flavorful.
What kitchen tools are required for preparing the salad?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a chef’s knife, salad spinner, cutting board, and a grater. These basic tools ensure precise chopping and mixing, helping maintain the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant taste.
Can I prepare the kale salad in advance?
Yes, prep kale up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Make the dressing 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Toast almonds up to a week ahead. Add avocado and apple just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Why is this kale salad healthy?
It’s loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like kale for vitamins, avocado for healthy fats, almonds for protein, and lemon for antioxidants. This combination supports overall wellness while delivering delicious flavors, making it a go-to for health-conscious eaters.