BHA & BHT Free Cilantro-Lime White Bean and Kale Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with plant-based goodness, this hearty salad brings together creamy white beans, tender massaged kale, and a punchy cilantro-lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Massaging the kale with a little sea salt is the secret move here — it softens the leaves and coaxes out a mellow, almost buttery texture that makes raw kale genuinely enjoyable to eat. Every ingredient in this bowl is whole and unprocessed, which means you can feel confident there are no synthetic preservatives hiding in the mix. Diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and raw pumpkin seeds add richness, color, and satisfying crunch without any need for packaged shortcuts. The dressing comes together in minutes from fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and honey — real pantry staples with nothing artificial in sight. It's the kind of salad that works as a light lunch on its own or as a vibrant side alongside whatever else is on the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 bunch lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 large avocado, pitted and diced
- ⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the sliced kale in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale firmly for 1–2 minutes until the leaves darken, soften noticeably, and reduce in volume by about half.
- 2
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using, until the dressing is uniform and slightly emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!