Summer Glow Strawberry Kale Salad Recipe
This Summer Glow Strawberry Kale Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish featuring finely chopped kale massaged with a zesty cilantro lime dressing, fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, sweet corn, tangy feta, crisp red onions, and crunchy pistachios. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side for summer meals, with an option to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for optional grilled chicken or sautéed corn)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 batch cilantro lime dressing (recipe referenced separately)
For the Salad
- 6 cups finely chopped kale, stems removed
- 1 heaping cup halved strawberries
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- 1 cup corn (raw, grilled, or sautéed)
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup shelled roasted and salted pistachios (or toasted sliced almonds as a substitute)
Optional Protein Add-ins
- 2 grilled chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Make your cilantro lime dressing according to the referenced recipe to bring fresh, tangy flavor to the salad.
- Massage the Kale: Add the finely chopped kale to a large bowl. Pour the cilantro lime dressing over it. Use tongs or clean hands to massage the dressing into the kale for several minutes until the leaves soften and begin to break down.
- Marinate the Kale: Allow the kale dressed with the cilantro lime mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the kale absorb the flavors and become more tender.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Add the halved strawberries, sliced or diced avocado, corn (your choice of raw, grilled, or sautéed), feta crumbles, thinly sliced red onion, and roasted pistachios to the marinated kale.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together with tongs to combine evenly without bruising the delicate fruit and avocado. Serve immediately or chill for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Optional Protein: If desired, add 2 grilled chicken breasts sliced over the salad for added protein to make it a complete meal.
Notes
- Take care to chop the kale very finely for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Massaging the kale with the dressing is essential to soften its fibrous leaves and enhance taste.
- The salad can be kept refrigerated for 1-3 days; however, add avocado fresh just before serving if you want to avoid browning.
- You can substitute pistachios with toasted sliced almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
- Choose raw, grilled, or sautéed corn based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
- Adding grilled chicken turns this salad into a hearty and satisfying meal.
