Description
This flavorful Kale Crunch Salad is packed with crisp kale, crunchy cabbage, fresh herbs, colorful veggies, and protein-rich quinoa. An abstinent dish that is both satisfying and energizing, and it’s so pretty, too! The creamy peanut miso dressing brings a bold, comforting flavor with just the right balance of savory, tangy, and light sweetness from softened dates instead of refined or processed sugar.
For food addicts in recovery, having meals that feel abundant and enjoyable can make abstinence feel sustainable instead of restrictive. This salad is full of texture, volume, and nutrition, making it a beautiful option for meal prep, recovery gatherings, or a simple reset after a difficult day. The massaged kale softens into a tender base while the fresh cilantro, cucumber, and lime brighten every bite. It’s the kind of meal that supports physical recovery while reminding us that abstinent food can be vibrant, peaceful, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or for meal prep ahead for a structured food plan, this Kale Crunch Salad is a recovery kitchen staple that keeps thigs simple, nourishing, and emotionally safe any time of year.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 bunch kale, any variety, stemmed, chopped, and massaged
- 1/4 - 1/2 head red cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 c. green onions, chopped
- 1 cup. cooked quinoa
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2-4 mandarin oranges, peeled and chopped
Peanut Dressing:
- 1 Tbsp. peanut or sesame oil
- 5 Tbsp. peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp. white miso paste
- 1 fresh garlic clove or 1/4 -1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 large thumb-sized chunk of fresh ginger
- zest and juice of one fresh lime
- 1 Tbsp. tamari sauce
- 2 dates, soaked in hot water until soft, then removed from water
- 1/4 tsp. - 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- large pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- 2-4 Tbsp. soaking water from dates, or enough to thin the dressing to pourable consistency
Instructions
Dressing:
- Add all dressing ingredients into a small blender container, or a tall container suitable for use with an immersion blender.
- Thin as desired with warm water to desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad:
- Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over salad.
- Toss, and serve.
Notes
Serving size: 10 oz. salad and 2 T. dressing
Protein: This can be topped with grilled or rotisserie chicken, crispy tofu, or your protein of choice.
Dressing keeps 3-5 day in the refrigerator.
Dressing can also be used as a sauce over grain bowls, over grilled meats, or roasted veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dressings, Lunch/Dinner, Salad
- Cuisine: Abstinent, Salad Dressing