@justmichon I can see why it’s everyone’s favorite 😋

@justmichon I can see why it’s everyone’s favorite 😋 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Plant Slant on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min

Cost: $17.94 total, $4.49 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Kale (washed, stems removed, torn into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 whole Lemon (juiced (about 2 tbsp))
  • 2 ripe Avocado (peeled and mashed)
  • 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
  • ½ tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 1 medium Cucumber (diced)
  • 2 medium Tomato (diced)
  • ¼ cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (Bruschetta style) (chopped)
  • ¼ cup Walnuts (roughly chopped; optional for crunch)
  • ½ cup White Beans (cooked, drained; optional protein boost)

Instructions

  1. Wash and Dry Kale

    Rinse the kale leaves under cold water, spin or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Kale

    Remove tough stems and tear the leaves into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Oil‑Massage Kale

    Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the kale and massage with clean hands for about 2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make Avocado Lemon Dressing

    In a separate bowl, mash the two ripe avocados, then stir in the lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, and ½ tsp salt until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Dressing with Kale

    Add the dressing to the massaged kale and continue to massage or toss until every leaf is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Prep Toppings

    Dice cucumber and tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, chop the sundried tomatoes and walnuts.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Assemble Salad

    Add the chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, sundried tomatoes, walnuts, and optional white beans to the dressed kale. Toss gently with tongs.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve or Store

    Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate. The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
28 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30-friendly

Allergens: Tree nuts

Last updated: March 30, 2026

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@justmichon I can see why it’s everyone’s favorite 😋

Recipe by The Plant Slant

A vibrant, nutrient‑dense kale salad tossed with a creamy avocado‑lemon dressing, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and crunchy toppings like cucumber, tomato, onion, sundried tomatoes, walnuts, and optional white beans. Perfect for a quick weekly meal.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.94
Total cost
$4.49
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Washing and thoroughly drying the kale
  • Massaging kale with olive oil to soften the leaves
  • Creating the creamy avocado‑lemon dressing
  • Massaging the dressing into the kale for even coating

Safety Warnings

  • Use a stable cutting board to avoid knife slips.
  • Be careful when squeezing lemon juice; avoid contact with eyes.
  • Pit the avocados safely; discard the pit away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of kale salads in modern American plant‑based cuisine?

A

Kale has become a staple in American health‑focused cooking due to its high nutrient density. In the plant‑based movement, kale salads are celebrated for their robustness, ability to hold rich dressings, and versatility with seasonal toppings.

cultural
Q

How did avocado‑lemon dressings become popular in vegan salads?

A

Avocado provides natural creaminess without dairy, while lemon adds brightness. The combination gained popularity as vegans sought dairy‑free alternatives that still offered a luxurious mouthfeel, especially in raw and whole‑food diets.

cultural
Q

What traditional ingredients are used in authentic kale salads, and how does this recipe differ?

A

Traditional kale salads often use simple vinaigrette, nuts, and dried fruit. This recipe adds avocado for creaminess, nutritional yeast for a cheesy note, and a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a richer, plant‑based twist.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is kale avocado salad traditionally associated with in American health‑food culture?

A

It’s a popular choice for brunches, potlucks, and post‑workout meals because it’s nutrient‑dense, easy to prepare, and can be served as a side or main for vegans and flexitarians alike.

cultural
Q

What other plant‑based dishes pair well with this kale avocado lemon dressing salad?

A

Pair it with roasted chickpea bowls, quinoa pilafs, or grilled tempeh. The bright dressing complements earthy grains and protein‑rich legumes for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this kale avocado lemon dressing salad special in vegan cuisine?

A

The combination of massaged kale, avocado‑based creamy dressing, and nutritional yeast creates a texture and flavor depth that mimics cheese‑laden salads without any animal products, making it stand out among typical raw salads.

cultural
Q

How has the use of nutritional yeast evolved in modern vegan salads?

A

Nutritional yeast, once a niche health food, is now widely used for its umami, cheesy flavor. It’s become a go‑to topping for salads, popcorn, and pasta, offering B‑vitamins and a savory boost.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making kale avocado lemon dressing salad?

A

Common errors include not drying kale thoroughly, over‑massaging which can make leaves mushy, using too much lemon which can curdle the avocado, and adding toppings before the dressing so the kale becomes soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use avocado instead of a traditional oil‑only vinaigrette?

A

Avocado adds natural creaminess and healthy fats, reducing the need for extra oil while providing a richer mouthfeel that coats kale more evenly than a thin vinaigrette.

technical
Q

Can I make this kale avocado lemon dressing salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Store the dressed kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate and add just before serving to maintain crunch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Plant Slant specialize in?

A

The Plant Slant focuses on whole‑food, plant‑based recipes that are simple, affordable, and nutrient‑dense, often highlighting seasonal produce and minimal cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Plant Slant's approach to plant‑based cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

The Plant Slant emphasizes whole, unprocessed ingredients, quick weeknight meals, and detailed explanations of nutrition, whereas many other vegan channels may rely more on processed substitutes or elaborate gourmet techniques.

channel

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