This bright and refreshing salad is packed with juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, and crunchy kale. It’s perfect for warm days and super easy to toss together!
I love how the sweetness of the fruit pairs with the hearty kale. Add some nuts for crunch, and you’re all set for a delightful and healthy meal! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kale: It’s best to use fresh, tender kale leaves—Lacinato or curly kale work great. If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach or arugula for a different taste and texture.
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, nectarines or even mango would make a nice substitute.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic here. If they’re not available, frozen blueberries can work if thawed and drained. Cranberries or strawberries could also fit well!
Pumpkin Seeds: These add a nice crunch, but you could replace them with sunflower seeds or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: My favorite for its taste, but any neutral oil will do. Try avocado oil for a buttery touch instead.
How Do You Massage Kale Properly?
Massage kale to break down its tough fibers and make it tender. Here’s how:
- Place chopped kale in a bowl with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Gently squeeze and rub the leaves between your hands for 2-3 minutes.
- You’ll notice the color will deepen, and the texture becomes softer, which makes it easier to eat and more delicious!
This simple step really elevates your salad. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Easy Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups kale leaves, washed, stemmed, and chopped
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and diced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. You’ll spend a few minutes washing and chopping the ingredients, and then just toss everything together. A fresh and tasty salad is ready to go in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kale:
Start by placing the chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the kale and add a pinch of salt. Now comes the fun part—massage the kale gently with your hands for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the leaves to soften and darken in color, making the salad easier to enjoy.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. This will form a tasty dressing that brings all the flavors together.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the diced peaches, fresh blueberries, and pumpkin seeds into the bowl with the massaged kale. These ingredients add sweetness, texture, and crunch to your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated in the dressing for maximum flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your vibrant salad is ready! You can serve it immediately or let it sit in the fridge for up to one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your refreshing summer salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! While peaches and blueberries are delicious, you can substitute with other seasonal fruits like strawberries, nectarines, or even mangoes. Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the kale and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to add the fruits and pumpkin seeds right before serving. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent the fruits from becoming mushy.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, to maintain the texture of the ingredients.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure any additional toppings are vegan-friendly. The salad will still taste fabulous and fresh!
