Brazil Nut Free Turmeric-Ginger Kale and Avocado Salad
This vibrant salad is a serious crowd-pleaser — layers of massaged kale, creamy avocado, crunchy purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and toasty pumpkin seeds all brought together by a boldly spiced dressing. That dressing is the real star: fresh lemon juice, grated ginger, ground turmeric, honey, and garlic whisk into a glossy, golden-yellow coating that clings to every leaf. The massage step is a small but transformative move — working the kale with a little salt for a couple of minutes softens the leaves and mellows any bitterness, making the whole salad far more tender and satisfying than a raw kale dish has any right to be. Packaged salad kits and store-bought dressings can be a minefield when you're avoiding certain tree nuts, since shared facilities and vague labeling make it hard to know what's actually in the bag. Building this one from scratch means you control every single ingredient, and nothing here introduces any hidden risk. It comes together quickly, looks stunning on the table, and holds up well if you let it sit a few extra minutes before serving. Finish with a scatter of fresh cilantro or parsley if you have it — it adds a bright, herby lift that ties everything together beautifully.
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 curly or lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the torn kale leaves in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale firmly for 1–2 minutes, squeezing and working the leaves until they darken, soften noticeably, and reduce in volume by about one-third.
- 2
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, grated ginger, honey, garlic, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt until the dressing is smooth and uniformly golden-yellow.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!