Shaved Kale Orange Almond Salad Bowl (Printable)

Tender massaged kale paired with juicy oranges, toasted almonds, and zesty citrus dressing for a refreshing, nutritious bowl.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves finely shredded
02 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Toppings

04 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
05 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
06 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, omit for vegan/dairy-free)

→ Citrus Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
09 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
13 - 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the shredded kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1–2 minutes until it softens and darkens in color.
02 - Add the orange segments, red onion, toasted almonds, and pomegranate seeds (if using) to the bowl with the massaged kale.
03 - In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Pour the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The massaged kale transforms from tough and bitter to silky and sweet in minutes
  • That citrus dressing hits every bright, zesty note without being too acidic
  • It holds up beautifully for hours, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics
02 -
  • Massaging the kale isn't optional—it breaks down the tough cellulose and makes the nutrients more absorbable
  • This salad actually gets better after sitting for 30 minutes, so don't be afraid to make it ahead
  • The dressing ratio might need tweaking depending on how sweet your oranges are—trust your taste buds
03 -
  • Use a microplane to zest some of the orange peel into the dressing for extra orange flavor without more acid
  • Room temperature ingredients help the dressing emulsify more easily
  • Massage the kale right in the serving bowl—one less dish to wash later

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