Description
A vibrant Kale Orange Salad featuring nutritious kale, sweet citrus segments, tangy goat cheese, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a bright white balsamic and orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing and healthy side dish for winter and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch curly kale (about 9 oz), thick ribs removed, remaining thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 blood orange, peeled and sliced into rounds then halved (navel orange can be substituted)
- 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
Vinaigrette
- 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (do scant if using table salt)
- 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh orange juice, sea salt, dijon mustard, and honey until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Chill the vinaigrette until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced kale, half of the toasted almonds, half of the sliced green onions, and the peeled mandarin orange segments. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss well to evenly coat.
- Finish and Serve: Top the tossed salad with the remaining almonds and green onions, arrange the halved blood orange slices on top, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for winter, combining the sweetness of citrus with hearty kale and creamy goat cheese for balanced flavors and textures.
- Substitute blood orange with navel orange if unavailable, maintaining bright citrus notes.
- Toast almonds lightly for added crunch and enhanced flavor.
- Use sea salt for best flavor but reduce quantity if using table salt to avoid oversalting.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and chilled to develop flavors further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 414 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
