Colorful and refreshing, this vegan massaged avocado kale salad with strawberries is easy to make with a handful of whole food ingredients in only 15 minutes. Even those who think they don't like raw kale salads enjoy this recipe.
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Kale salad may seem like a cliché, but this version has turned many skeptics into fans. Sweet strawberries and creamy avocados elevate the hearty greens into a special seasonal dish.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- You can make it in 15 minutes with only 7 ingredients.
- The creamy avocado eliminates the need for olive oil.
- The leftovers hold up well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- Kale
- Avocado
- Salt
- Lime juice
- Pure maple syrup
- Fresh strawberries
- Walnuts
Any variety of kale can be used in this recipe. I usually use whatever looks the best at my local market or farm stand.
But if I had to choose, my favorite varieties are Lacinato, also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan, and Russian Red. You can read more about the different types you are likely to find in The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Kale and How to Use Them.
Since this recipe calls for two bunches of kale, I decided to combine Lacinato and Red. Red actually has purple stems and ribs, as you can see in the photo above.
Amy's tip
Discard the tough stems and ribs and save them for another use, if you like. Most people don't enjoy eating them raw.
For this reason, I don't buy packaged pre-chopped kale when I'm going to prepare this salad. Save them for when you're making a green smoothie or vegetable soup.
Substitutions
- If strawberries aren't in season, try using blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries in this salad.
- In addition, fresh lemon juice can be used in place of lime. And your favorite liquid sweetener can be used in place of the maple syrup.
- If you don't have walnuts, pecans, almonds, pine nuts or pistachios all work well.
- And for a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even add chickpeas.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the kale leaves. To remove the stems and tough ribs, you can either use your knife or tear the leaves with your hands. Then chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt and half of the avocado. Using your hands, massage the kale with the avocado until it's tender and reduced in volume.
- Toss the massaged kale with a little lime juice and pure maple syrup.
- Top the salad with the remaining avocado, sliced strawberries, and walnuts.
Serving suggestions
This salad pairs well with other dishes as a starter or side with spring dishes like lemon asparagus orzo or creamy vegan lemon pasta.
It's also wonderful at brunch with tofu scramble topped with vegan pesto or a breakfast casserole with tofu and tater tots.
Storing
Leftovers will last up to 3 days days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss again before serving.
Recipe FAQs
While any variety can be used, most people enjoy Lacinato (also known as dinosaur, Italian, and Tuscan) kale the best. It has a smoother texture than curly varieties and a mild flavor.
Massaging chopped kale with avocado, an acid like citrus juice or vinegar, and a little salt makes it softer and less bitter. It also helps to add a touch of sweetener like pure maple syrup.
While edible, the stems tend to be too tough and fibrous for salads. But you can save them for cooked dishes. For example, you can saute them with other vegetables.
More vegan kale recipes
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!
📋 Recipe
Avocado Kale Salad with Strawberries
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Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale, (any variety or a combination)
- 1 avocado, (divided) diced
- pinch of salt
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, (halves and pieces)
Instructions
- Wash the kale and and remove the tough ribs. Pat dry the leaves with a kitchen towel. Tear or chop them into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Use your hands to massage the kale with half the avocado and a pinch of salt until the kale is tender and has reduced in size.
- Add the lime juice and maple syrup and toss well to coat.
- Top the kale salad with the remaining avocado, strawberries, and walnuts. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- If strawberries aren't available, you can blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries instead.
- If you don't want to use walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds are great substitutions.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Astrid says
This tastes so good! Thanks!
Amy says
Thank you, Astrid!