If you’re looking for a vibrant, nourishing meal that makes you feel instantly refreshed, Detox Salad deserves a spot at the top of your list. This gorgeous bowl bursts with crunchy kale, colorful veggies, protein-packed seeds, and a tangy homemade dressing, all designed to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. Not only is it packed with nutritional powerhouses, but it’s also quick to whip up and endlessly versatile, so you can easily adapt it to whatever’s in your fridge. Whether you’re after a light lunch, hearty side, or a meal prep staple, Detox Salad is a delicious way to add more life and color to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple, everyday ingredients come together for something truly special. Each one brings its own unique taste, texture, and nutritional punch, making this Detox Salad as satisfying as it is healthy.

Kale: This is the ultimate base for your Detox Salad, offering sturdy texture, vibrant color, and loads of vitamins.
Red cabbage: Shredded for beautiful purple crunch, it adds a lovely bite and antioxidants.
Carrots: Shredded carrots provide gentle sweetness and a burst of color.
Broccoli florets: Chopped into tiny pieces for added fiber and a fresh earthy flavor.
Cauliflower florets: Mild and crunchy, cauliflower bulks up the mix with extra nutrients.
Fresh parsley: A half cup of parsley wakes everything up with bright herbal notes.
Cucumber: Diced for cooling, watery crunch and extra hydration.
Red bell pepper: Provides natural sweetness and amazing color.
Sunflower seeds: Sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and healthy fats.
Sliced almonds: These delicate slivers are a classic salad topper for extra texture and protein.
Dried cranberries: A little natural sweetness to contrast all the crisp veggies; go unsweetened if you can.
Extra virgin olive oil: The base for a luscious, heart-healthy dressing.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and zip to lift all the flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a touch of tang and a dose of probiotics.
Maple syrup (or honey): For natural sweetness and depth; pick your favorite.
Dijon mustard: A teaspoon for savory kick and creamy dressing texture.
Salt and pepper: Never skip the basics — use to taste so all the flavors shine.

How to Make Detox Salad

Step 1: Prep and Chop All the Vegetables

Set yourself up for success by thoroughly washing and drying all your produce. Take a few minutes to chop the kale, red cabbage, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush this process — getting those veggies finely shredded or diced means every forkful will have a wonderful mix of texture and flavor. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl where you’ll have plenty of room to toss the salad later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tangy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing looks creamy and completely combined; it should emulsify into one dreamy, pourable mixture. This vibrant dressing brightens the whole Detox Salad and infuses every veggie with zesty flavor.

Step 3: Toss and Combine

Pour the dressing over your mountain of chopped vegetables. Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss everything thoroughly, making sure each piece gets lightly coated. If you’re a fan of slightly softer kale, don’t hesitate to massage the salad with your hands for a minute or two; it’ll help tenderize the greens and bring all the flavors together.

Step 4: Top with Crunch

Scatter the sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries across the salad. These toppings add delightful texture contrasts and a hint of sweetness. Give one last gentle toss to mix them in, or simply leave them on top for an eye-catching finish.

Step 5: Let It Rest

For best results, let the Detox Salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the kale and cabbage to slightly soften, and all those delicious flavors to meld into each bite. After that, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Detox Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Detox Salad with a little extra flourish to make it irresistible. Sprinkle on an additional handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or mint, add extra almonds or seeds for extra crunch, or top with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra zingy finish. If you want an antioxidant boost, a dusting of chia or hemp seeds adds subtle nuttiness and even more nutrition.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with all sorts of mains. Serve alongside simple grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite veggie burger for a satisfying, balanced meal. Or, scoop Detox Salad into pita pockets, serve over warm quinoa, or add a cup to a vibrant grain bowl — the possibilities are endless for rounding out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or meal prepping, consider portioning Detox Salad into glass jars or colorful meal prep containers. You can also serve it deconstructed for a make-your-own salad bar, letting each guest build their dream bowl. For parties, arrange the vegetables and toppings in rainbow stripes on a platter to make a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. No matter how you serve it, this salad turns every meal into a festive, delicious occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Detox Salad is a meal prep superstar. To keep it at its best, store the salad and dressing separately if possible, or simply hold off on adding the nuts and seeds until you’re ready to eat. Assembled salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it’s especially tasty within the first 48 hours when the veggies are still ultra crisp.

Freezing

As tempting as it is to stock your freezer with extra salad, Detox Salad doesn’t freeze well due to all the crisp fresh vegetables. Freezing can turn the veggies mushy and dull the flavors. For best results, stick to enjoying it fresh or refrigerated, and whip up a new batch when those salad cravings return.

Reheating

This vibrant salad is naturally served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been stored in the fridge, give it a good toss to revive the dressing and ensure everything tastes fresh before serving. Add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil if it needs a little lift after chilling.

FAQs

Can I make Detox Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store the veggies and dressing separately or add the nuts and seeds right before eating for the best crunch. It holds up wonderfully for a few days in the fridge, making it an ideal grab-and-go lunch or dinner side.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Detox Salad is a fabulous canvas for protein add-ins. Grilled chicken, roasted tofu, canned chickpeas, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese all work beautifully. Just toss in your favorite protein source after preparing the salad, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal.

What’s the best way to chop the veggies?

For maximum flavor and the perfect bite, aim to shred or finely chop all the ingredients — this ensures the flavors meld and every bite is packed with color and crunch. Use a sharp chef’s knife, mandoline, or even a food processor with a shredding blade to speed up the process, especially if you’re making a big batch.

Can I swap or add different veggies?

For sure! Detox Salad is super flexible. Swap in green cabbage, spinach, or romaine for kale, swap bell peppers for radishes, or add shredded Brussels sprouts or snap peas for more variety. Use whatever’s fresh and in season — the salad will be delicious and uniquely yours every time.

Is Detox Salad kid-friendly?

Surprisingly, yes! The tangy-sweet dressing, crunchy toppings, and pretty colors make it fun for kids. You can chop the veggies extra small, keep the dressing on the side for dipping, or let little ones sprinkle on their favorite seeds or nuts. It’s a great way to get a rainbow of vegetables onto the family table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that tastes as good as it makes you feel, Detox Salad is a must-try. Fresh, crisp, and gloriously colorful, this salad proves that healthy food can also be an absolute treat. I hope you’ll whip up a big bowl soon and discover your own favorite twists on this modern classic!

Detox Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Detox Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish packed with fresh veggies, nuts, and seeds, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect way to reset and recharge your body with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 cups chopped kale
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1 cup chopped cauliflower florets
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

Dressing:

1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine kale, red cabbage, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well to coat, then add sunflower seeds, almonds, and cranberries. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.