I’m excited to share my favorite detox salad—a vibrant, crunchy, and nutrient-packed mix of fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and a zesty lemon dressing that leaves me feeling refreshed and energized.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this salad because it’s light yet satisfying, full of color, and bursting with natural flavors. Every bite gives me a mix of crisp textures and bright citrusy notes, making it the perfect way to reset after a heavy meal or simply nourish my body with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
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Kale leaves, chopped
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Red cabbage, shredded
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Carrots, shredded
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Cucumber, diced
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Broccoli florets, finely chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
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Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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Extra virgin olive oil
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Honey or maple syrup
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Salt and black pepper
Directions
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I massage the chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until it softens slightly.
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I add the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, broccoli, and parsley to the kale.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well blended.
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I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated.
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I sprinkle sunflower seeds on top just before serving for crunch.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 4 servings
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add avocado for creaminess.
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I toss in chickpeas or quinoa to make it more filling.
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I use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a sharper tang.
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I add pomegranate seeds for sweetness and color.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since kale holds up well to dressing, this salad actually tastes great the next day. I don’t reheat it—it’s best served chilled.
FAQs
Why massage the kale?
Massaging breaks down its fibrous texture, making it softer and easier to eat.
Can I use a different green instead of kale?
Yes—spinach, Swiss chard, or romaine all work well.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes—just use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely—it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge, so I often prep it in advance.
What’s the best way to keep it crunchy?
I store the seeds separately and add them just before serving.
Conclusion
I love making my favorite detox salad because it’s fresh, nourishing, and full of life. It’s my go-to when I want to fuel my body with vibrant ingredients and enjoy every bite in the process.
My Favorite Detox Salad!
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A vibrant, crunchy, and nutrient-packed detox salad featuring kale, fresh vegetables, seeds, and a zesty lemon dressing for a refreshing and energizing boost.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale leaves, chopped
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Massage chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until slightly softened.
- Add shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, broccoli, and parsley to the kale.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top just before serving for crunch.
Notes
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Include chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein and heartiness.
- Swap lemon juice for apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- Top with pomegranate seeds for sweetness and color.
- Kale holds up well to dressing, making this salad great for next-day eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg