This simple superfood salad has the perfect combination of nutrients, flavors and textures.
Well friends, we are almost two weeks into 2016. How’s your year going so far? Are you getting your “new year new you” on yet? I’m totally joking about that last part – we don’t need a new you, we need a you you.
Cheesiest thing I’ve ever said, but it’s true.
Let’s chat about this salad. I know, a salad recipe in January – very cliche. But I promise, although simple, this salad is not boring. Its perfect for salad lovers and those who are trying to step their vegetable game up. This simple, satisfying salad starts with a bed of baby kale. If you aren’t a big fan of regular kale, give baby kale a try! It is less bitter, and doesn’t have as tough of a texture. It is the gateway green to the heartier stuff!
I’ll be honest though, the star of this salad is definitely the toppings.
Toasted sliced almonds, hemp seeds and dates. Such a good combination! Then the salad is topped off with fresh shaved parmesan an easy, delicious lemon vinaigrette.
The great thing about this salad, is it is incredibly customizable. Don’t have dates on hand? Throw some dried cranberries on it! Not a fan of parmesan? Use feta instead! You really can’t go wrong with the combination of greens + nuts/seeds + cheese + dried fruit. I’m not mathematician, but I’m pretty sure that is the equation for loving salad.
- [!]Salad:
- 4 Cups of Baby Kale, finely chopped
- ¼ Cup of Soft Dates, chopped
- ¼ Cup Sliced Almonds
- 2 Tablespoons Hemp Seeds
- ¼ Cup Freshly Shaved Parmesan
- [!]Easy Lemon Vinaigrette:*
- ⅓ Cup Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Black Pepper to Taste
- To prepare the dressing, combine the lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic powder and pepper in a blender. Once those ingredients are blended, slowly stream in the olive oil until emulsified. You will only need about 3-4 tablespoons for the salad. Store the rest in a mason jar in the fridge for up to three days.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds to the skillet, and toss until slightly toasted. This takes just a few minutes. Allow to cool when done.
- Place baby kale in a large bowl. Add the dates, almonds and drizzle with 3-4 Tablespoons of dressing. Toss until kale is coated.
- Top salad with parmesan and sprinkle with hemp seeds. Serve immediately.
Your Turn:
- What are some of your favorite salad toppings?
I’m not a huge fan of kale but I will need to give baby kale a try. I like my salads to contain all the toppings and I love that this salad is loaded with them. Yum!
Yes, try the baby kale! It is the gateway green to regular kale 🙂
Sweet with some crunch, I like it!! My favorite things for salads are really…anything. But I love raw crunchy beets or apples!
Yesss to both of those. The fresh crunch is so good!
I love that you added dates onto the salad! I never thought of doing that but I am sure it would be absolutely delicious!!
Let me know if you try the dates on your salads! I cant get enough 🙂
This looks so delicious! I definitely need to try adding hemp seeds to my salad! 🙂
Yes, definitely give hemp on salads a try! It is one of my favorites
I love baby kale!! Those toppings are on point. I’ve never tried putting dates on a salad but it looks so good with the tangy dressing. Yum!
Ooh you have to try dates on your salad – so good!
YES ALL OF THIS. Favorite topping by far is avocado, although I don’t even know if I’d consider it a topping per say. Really it’s a main ingredient. Okay, how about any type of seed or not? 😀
Avocado is just everything!!!
YUM! This looks lovely. What a great recipe. I love all these fun toppings! Looks delicious and nutritious… and yes! I totally agree, we don’t need a “new year new you”!! Wise words 🙂
I am glad you didnt think I was too cheesy! <3
Hey I’m just as cliche as you are because I posted a salad recipe today too! There’s no shame. 🙂
I love kale but I agree that baby kale is a better option for those that don’t enjoy it as much as I do. This combo sounds amazing. Love the addition of hemp seeds with that bright dressing!
Thanks Sarah! No shame in our salad game 😉
I LOVE dates in my salad. This looks perfect, Les! I’m working on eating at home during the week, which means we’ve been prepping salads at home. Gotta add this to the rotation!
Ooh I hope you like it! Home meals for the win!
This looks delicious! I LOVE freshly shaved parmesan! I love adding dried cranberries on my salads as well! YUM!
I love dried cranberries on salads too – yum!
Is it weird that I’m almost as in love with your spoon as I am with this recipe? My cutlery obsession is so real and yours ROCKS <3
Pinned!
Aww thanks Giselle! That is a huge compliment – your cutlery is always on point 😉
i literally love hemp seeds on salads! a gentle nuttiness & earthiness. also loving baby kale lately! love the way you put this together 🙂
Thanks so much!