Cinnamon Free Turmeric-Ginger Kale and Avocado Salad
Bright, earthy, and genuinely satisfying, this salad layers massaged kale with creamy avocado, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a vivid golden dressing that does all the heavy lifting on flavor. The dressing gets its warmth from ground turmeric and freshly grated ginger rather than any spice blends, so you never have to second-guess what's actually in it — a real relief when so many store-bought dressings sneak in unexpected ingredients. Massaging the kale with a little sea salt before dressing it is the move that transforms tough leaves into something tender and almost silky, making this feel far more indulgent than a salad has any right to. Shredded purple cabbage and carrots add color and crunch, while the lemon juice and raw honey keep the dressing bright and balanced without tipping into sweetness. Sliced avocado laid over the top makes every bowl look like it belongs on a restaurant menu. It comes together quickly and holds up well enough that the dressed kale actually improves after a few minutes of rest, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully.
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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.
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