MSG Free Turmeric-Ginger Kale and Avocado Salad
Bright, earthy, and genuinely satisfying, this kale and avocado salad is the kind of bowl that makes you feel good from the first bite. The massaging step is the real secret — working the kale with a little salt for a couple of minutes transforms it from tough and bitter into something silky and deeply flavorful, no heat required. A golden dressing built from fresh lemon juice, grated ginger, turmeric, honey, and garlic ties everything together with a warm, zesty kick that coats every leaf beautifully. Shredded purple cabbage and carrots add crunch and color, while creamy avocado slices and raw pumpkin seeds round out the texture in the best possible way. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess what's hiding in a bottled dressing. It comes together in one bowl with minimal cleanup, making it just as practical as it is delicious. Finish it with a scatter of fresh cilantro or parsley and serve right away for maximum freshness.
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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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