Get ready to transform your perception of kale forever with this mind-blowing Miso Lemon Vinaigrette Kale Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Forget everything you thought you knew about boring salads – this recipe is a flavor explosion that will make you crave greens like never before. With its perfect balance of umami, tanginess, and subtle sweetness, this salad isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that will revolutionize your healthy eating game.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the kale. Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water, then remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale with a pinch of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale gently for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to soften the leaves and enhance their flavor.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the miso lemon vinaigrette. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of miso paste, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water to thin it out.
- Pour the miso lemon vinaigrette over the massaged kale. Toss the salad well to ensure that all the kale is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give the salad another toss. If desired, you can add toppings such as sliced avocado, nuts, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Serve the kale salad immediately as a fresh and nutritious side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Massaging the kale is crucial – it breaks down the tough fibers and makes the leaves more tender and palatable. Don't rush this step!
- Use fresh, high-quality miso paste for the most authentic and rich flavor. White or yellow miso works best for this vinaigrette.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly.
- For extra nutrition and crunch, consider adding toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, or roasted pumpkin seeds as a topping.
- If you prefer a milder kale flavor, try using Lacinato (dinosaur) kale, which tends to be slightly more tender than curly kale.
- The salad can be prepared ahead of time and will actually taste even better after marinating for a few hours in the refrigerator.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to turn this into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
