Midwestern winters can feel long, but finding ways to brighten them up is essential. For me, that means indulging in the sweet richness of winter citrus. Back in Texas, we devour clementines daily, and my family has a strong appreciation for all things citrus. After discovering sumo oranges this season, my obsession for tangy fruits intensified. To incorporate more of this delightful citrus into my meals, I decided to revamp my lunch with a vibrant kale salad.
When prepared right, a kale salad can be one of the most satisfying meals. It combines various textures and flavors on one plate. Plus, I love making a big batch on Monday and enjoying it through Wednesday. That's the beauty of kale! So, what makes this citrus kale salad stand out? Let's explore.
My number one rule for salads is all about texture. Without it, a salad is just a bowl of greens. In this dish, the highlight is undoubtedly the vibrant citrus segments.
Perfectly Segmented Oranges: A Restaurant Trick
The secret to showcasing the citrus is in the slicing technique. Start by trimming the top and bottom of the orange for a flat surface. Place it on a cutting board, then carefully cut from top to bottom, rounding the edge and removing the thick skin. Aim to get rid of as much white pith as you can. Using a paring knife, cut out clean segments by following the pith lines. Once you practice a few, it becomes easier. For those who prefer a visual guide, this link provides a helpful tutorial.
What about the leftover peels and fruit scraps? Squeeze the juice from them; you'll use some in the dressing, while the rest makes a refreshing afternoon drink. You can even repurpose the peels into homemade cleaner if you're feeling creative!
For the rest of the salad, I aimed to enhance it with additional textures and flavors that pair well with the tangy citrus.
Breadcrumbs: The Better Alternative to Croutons
This might be controversial, but I believe croutons are overrated. I'm firmly on team breadcrumbs and always keep panko on hand. They add a delightful crunch that enhances each bite. To toast your breadcrumbs, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the panko and stir for a few minutes until golden brown. Be cautious not to burn them!
Breadcrumbs can elevate any Caesar salad too, just saying.
Balancing Flavor Elements
Creating a well-rounded salad requires hitting all the right flavor notes.
Your salad should include a base of greens, something crunchy, a creamy component, an acidic element, something sweet, and for this dish, a spicy kick as well. This balance keeps the salad exciting and flavorful. Here, we use kale as the base. (Remember to massage the kale! Check this out for a demo!) After the kale, the toasted breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch, avocado provides creaminess, citrus adds a refreshing zing, and the tahini dressing (with a hint of honey) brings a sweet balance. I also included Thai chilis and jalapeños for heat, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder flavor. This kale salad is truly irresistible, so don't be surprised if you devour the entire batch!
Did this kale salad impress you? Share your thoughts and feedback!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of lacinto kale, chopped
- 2-3 oranges, grapefruits, or citrus of your choice, segmented
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 small jalapeño or pepper of choice, thinly sliced (optional)
- toasted panko breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of juice from citrus peels and cores
- juice from 1/2 large lemon
- 3 tbsp of honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of tahini
- 1/2 jalapeño or pepper of choice (optional)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by blending all ingredients in a small blender until smooth. Taste and adjust as necessary.
- To assemble the salad, place the kale in a large bowl. Add half of the dressing to the kale and massage until it turns shiny and dark green.
- Toss in the remaining ingredients and mix with additional dressing as needed.
- Dig in!
