Energizing Pomegranate Kale Salad
Ingredients
1 bunch organic curly kale
Arils (seeds) from 1 pomegranate
½ cup chopped walnuts (roasted or raw)
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
2 Tablespoons hemp seeds
Dressing (makes extra):
6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice (plus 1 TBSP for kale)
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 Medjool dates
1 Tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon pink Himalayan/sea salt (plus ¼ tsp for kale)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional add-ins:
Favorite protein (e.g., chicken, turkey, fish, tofu)
Instructions
- Make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients into a blender and blending until smooth. Place dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Remove stems from kale leaves and chop into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 TBSP of orange juice and ¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan/sea salt. Massage kale with your hands until the leaves turn a vibrant green.
- Add in the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with the desired amount of dressing and toss together to coat.
- Serve salad immediately, and enjoy! Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator.
Notes
Serves 4. Per serving (using sea salt and dried cranberries):
Calories: 439
Total Fat: 33g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients Highlights
Apple Cider Vinegar is full of enzymes and good bacteria. It contains acetic acid, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure.
Real balsamic vinegar is an aromatic, thick, dark, syrupy, aged type of vinegar made from the reduction of cooked grapes. Lower-priced brands, like those found in most grocery stores, are often made with cheap wine vinegar mixed with corn syrup, flavoring, and caramel coloring.
Cayenne Pepper has several surprising benefits, including helping to support circulatory health.
Known for their impressive quantity of vitamin C and antioxidants, cranberries also have the unique ability of helping to maintain urinary health and supporting healthy gut bacteria.
Dates often get a bad rap for being high in natural sugar, but they offer significant support for the digestive system, target parasites, and help remove yeast, heavy metals, and other pathogens from the gut.
Hemp seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. They are also a good source of phytosterols, which support immune function.
Kale is the ultimate green superfood. It contains several times the recommended daily amount of vitamins A, K, and C, plus a healthy dose of protein.
Orange is best known for being a good source of vitamin C but is often overlooked for its other amazing benefits, such as supporting the immune system.
Pomegranates hold hundreds of seeds, which can be eaten fresh or turned into juice. Research shows pomegranate can support circulatory and heart health
Walnuts are neuroprotective and support heart health. They are loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, molybdenum, and biotin.
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