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Tired of the same old salad night after night? The flavors in this Citrus Cauliflower Kale Summer Salad will wake up your taste buds!

Citrus Cauliflower Kale Summer Salad

Tired of the same old salad? Try this Citrus Cauliflower Kale Summer Salad! There’s no doubt that the addition of salt-cured lemon slices is what elevates this recipe from bland to grand. The bright, briny flavor of the preserved lemon adds a fresh burst of flavor to an otherwise mellow dish. The lemons are really easy to make, all you need to do is press fresh lemon slices between 2 Himalayan salt blocks. Allow 2 days for the salt blocks to work their magic and you will be rewarded with a very tasty treat you’ll reach for again and again.

Equipment Needed

• large mixing bowl
• measuring cup
• measuring spoons
• salad tongs

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Pyrex Smart Essentials 4-Quart Glass Mixing BowlPyrex Prepware 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup SetCook’s Pro Adjust-A-Measure Set, 3-PieceTotally Bamboo Salad Hands Serving Tongs

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

• 1 small zucchini, washed, cut in half and uniformly sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, washed, cut in half and uniformly sliced
• 1 head cauliflower, washed and trimmed, florets only
• 1 head broccoli, washed and trimmed, florets only
• 4 kale leaves, stems and ribs removed, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 12 grape tomatoes, washed and cut in half lengthwise
• 6-8 large fresh basil leaves, washed, rolled and cut into thin strips
• 4-6 salt-cured organic lemon slices, very finely chopped including rinds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

Vinaigrette Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

  

Instructions

In a glass bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients and whisk until thoroughly combined. If possible, make in advance to allow the flavors to mingle. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Set aside.

Place zucchini, squash, cauliflower, and broccoli in a large microwave-safe dish and add 2 tbsp water. Cover and microwave on high for about 5 or 6 minutes, or until crisp tender. Cook times will vary by microwave, so test after 3 minutes and adjust cook time accordingly. Do not overcook. Set aside to cool.

In a large glass bowl, add torn kale and drizzle with olive oil. With your fingers, massage each piece of kale with your fingers until the olive oil is worked into the leaf. This will soften the kale and improve its taste. Add cooled zucchini, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, basil, chopped preserved lemon and cranberries to bowl. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Right before serving, add desired amount of citrus vinaigrette and toss to coat thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Citrus Cauliflower Kale Summer Salad

Print

Instructions

In a glass bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients and whisk until thoroughly combined. If possible, make in advance to allow the flavors to mingle. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Set aside. Place zucchini, squash, cauliflower, and broccoli in a large microwave-safe dish and add 2 tbsp water. Cover and microwave on high for about 5 or 6 minutes, or until crisp tender. Cook times will vary by microwave, so test after 3 minutes and adjust cook time accordingly. Do not overcook. Set aside to cool. In a large glass bowl, add torn kale and drizzle with olive oil. With your fingers, massage each piece of kale with your fingers until the olive oil is worked into the leaf. This will soften the kale and improve its taste. Add cooled zucchini, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, basil, chopped preserved lemon and cranberries to bowl. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Right before serving, add desired amount of citrus vinaigrette and toss to coat thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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