If you’ve been craving something fresh, energizing, and positively bursting with color, this Seriously Delicious Detox Salad is about to become your new favorite. Every forkful is a confetti of crunchy veggies, vibrant herbs, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty seeds, all tossed in a zesty, naturally-sweetened dressing. Whether you want to reset after a long weekend or simply enjoy a salad that never feels like a chore, this bowl delivers pure flavor and feel-good nutrition every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a little can go a long way. With simple, wholesome ingredients, each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color, coming together for a salad that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Kale: Earthy and sturdy, kale forms the fiber-rich backbone of this salad, and softens beautifully when marinated in dressing.
- Red cabbage: Brings vibrant color and a pleasant crunch, along with antioxidants that support your healthy glow.
- Carrots: Their sweetness and satisfying crunch make every bite pop, while adding a dash of color to the mix.
- Broccoli florets: Adds bite-sized bursts of green and a boost of vitamins C and K, rounding out the veggie medley.
- Red bell pepper: Juicy and subtly sweet, diced red pepper gives the salad extra freshness and a cheery look.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley offers bright, herbal notes and helps keep the flavors lively and light.
- Sunflower seeds: Toasty and protein-rich, these provide delightful crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- Sliced almonds: A gentle, buttery crunch that helps the salad feel hearty and satisfying.
- Dried cranberries: Little pops of sweet-tart flavor that make each forkful irresistible (opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sugar).
- Fresh lemon juice: The key to a punchy, bright vinaigrette that ties everything together and mellows the kale.
- Olive oil: Gives richness and helps the dressing cling to every veggie strand.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick and subtle apple flavor, great for balancing sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Not too sweet, just enough to bring harmonious balance to the bold greens and zesty dressing.
- Dijon mustard: The secret to a creamy, complex dressing; just a spoonful is all you need.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, so the garden-fresh flavors shine.
How to Make Seriously Delicious Detox Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Begin by placing your chopped kale, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley into a roomy mixing bowl. This is your veggie party—toss everything together so the colors really mingle. If you like your kale extra tender, give it a quick massage with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice before combining with the others. You’ll be amazed how much softer and tastier it gets!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, add fresh lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing looks smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust for tang, sweetness, or salt—this is where you make it your own! The aroma alone will get your appetite going.
Step 3: Toss and Marinate
Pour that zippy dressing right over your mountain of vegetables. Toss thoroughly, making sure every bit is coated in the lemony goodness. Let your Seriously Delicious Detox Salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes—this time lets the kale soften, the veggies meld, and the flavors really come alive. Patience pays off for optimal flavor!
Step 4: Finish with Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries on top. This final touch gives every forkful the perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. Now all that’s left is to grab a fork and dig in!
How to Serve Seriously Delicious Detox Salad
Garnishes
To make your salad even more inviting, add a few extra fresh parsley leaves, a zesting of lemon, or a dusting of black pepper tableside. If you want to take things up a notch, try a quick shower of vegan feta or a sprinkle of hemp seeds—it’s impossible to go wrong with a salad this versatile!
Side Dishes
This Seriously Delicious Detox Salad shines as a main dish, but it also loves good company on your plate. Serve alongside grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. A warm soup or a crusty slice of sourdough also pairs beautifully, rounding out your lunch or dinner with extra comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at picnics or potlucks, layer the salad in clear mason jars—veggies on the bottom, dressing in the middle, crunchiest toppings on top. Or, serve on a beautiful platter with extra toppings fanned out for visual impact! For individual servings, fill avocado halves with a scoop of salad for an adorable and delicious presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The beauty of this Seriously Delicious Detox Salad is how well it holds up—the flavors continue to mingle and the veggies stay crisp. Just give it a little toss before enjoying again!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended, as fresh veggies like kale and bell pepper lose their texture once thawed. For the best taste and crunch, enjoy your salad fresh. If you need to prep ahead, you can always make the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salad is at its best straight from the fridge or at cool room temperature. If you’re adding cooked protein like chicken or tofu, warm those separately and then toss them in for a lovely temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides kale?
Absolutely! Try baby spinach, arugula, or a hearty spring mix as a swap. Just be aware that tender greens may not hold up as long as kale, so enjoy sooner for the best crunch.
Is this salad allergen-friendly?
It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, and you can swap the almonds or sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re serving someone with allergies.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey makes a lovely alternative if you’re not vegan. Agave syrup or a tiny splash of orange juice can also sweeten the dressing in a pinch.
How do I make the kale softer?
Massage the kale with a little salt and lemon juice for 1 to 2 minutes before adding to the salad bowl. This breaks down its fibers and leaves it tender yet still hearty.
Can I make this Seriously Delicious Detox Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the veggies and dressing separately and toss them together about 15 minutes before serving. Add the seeds, nuts, and cranberries just before eating for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Seriously Delicious Detox Salad enough—it’s vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes or what you have on hand. The next time you’re craving something healthy but crave-worthy, give this salad a try and let every fresh bite lift your spirits. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Print
Seriously Delicious Detox Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
This Seriously Delicious Detox Salad is a vibrant and nutrient-packed dish that is perfect for a healthy meal. Packed with kale, red cabbage, carrots, and a variety of flavorful ingredients, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
Kale Salad:
- 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, and parsley.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the kale and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with sunflower seeds, almonds, and cranberries.
Notes
- This salad keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Massage the kale with a little lemon juice and salt before assembling if you prefer it softer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
