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    Home > Recipes > Salad

    Sesame Ginger Kale Salad

    Published: Nov 16, 2016 · Modified: Dec 6, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 3 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    kale salad in a blue bowl
    sesame ginger kale salad

    kale salad in a blue bowl

    Sesame Ginger Kale Salad is a bright, fresh salad with less than 400 calories is packed with protein, full of color and can be enjoyed year-round. A vinaigrette with sesame oil and fresh ginger adds just the right balance of sweet and savory.

    mixing raw vegetables in a clear glass bowl

    It's that time of year when the holidays start coming in fast succession. As recently as yesterday I was still finding Halloween candy in coat pockets and stepped on a full pack of Swedish Fish in the frosty grass when I went to grab the newspaper.

    And now we're looking ahead for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is an extra sense of magic that comes with the first holidays that kids can understand and anticipate. My two-year-olds can readily identify that the coming weeks hold celebration, fun, and sweet treats.

    radishes on a grey countertop with sesame seeds

    And like my two-year-olds, I too get eager for the holiday food and drink and sense of magic that comes with twinkling lights, frosty air, and warm dishes to share around crowded tables.

    grating ginger

    I love the opposite ends of the food spectrum that help bring balance this time of year. Eat a few extra salads at lunch and not feel a moment of hesitation when it comes to a plate of  Sexy Fries or sampling an extra cookie (or four) later. Something about the contrast of a salad bursting with bright, healthy things makes those cookies taste extra awesome.

    ginger, limes and sauce on a grey countertop

    Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

    And while all of this salad is worth making, it's the sweet and savory vinaigrette that is the real star. It's inspired by an Asian Vinaigrette from Trader Joe's that we used extensively on last summer's trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. This home-made version is simple, full of real ingredients, and keeps for weeks in the fridge. It lends itself to all sorts of creative salad combinations beyond the typical greens.

    sesame ginger vinaigrette in a small glass bowl

    Here's to enjoying salads as much (okay, almost as much) as those cookies.

    More Yummy Salads

    • Apple, Brie and Pecan Salad
    • Watermelon, Feta and Arugula Salad
    • Sesame Noodle Salad
    • Bacon, Corn and Avocado Salad
    • Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
    • Spring Cobb Salad with Creamy Herb Yogurt Dressing
    • Thai Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette

    Favorite Tools

    • Microplane
    • Whisk
    • All Clad Saucepan
    • 6-inch Global Knife
    • Cutting Board 
    • Salad Bowl
    • Salad Tongs
    kale salad in a blue bowl
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Sesame Ginger Kale Salad

    A bright, fresh salad is packed with protein, full of color. Thick, slightly sweet vinaigrette with sesame oil and fresh ginger makes the perfect topping.
    Prep Time25 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Salad
    Keyword: easy dinner, lunch, vegetables
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 344kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

    Equipment

    • Whisk
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette:

    • ¼ cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
    • 2 teaspoon Cornstarch
    • ¼ cup Cooking Oil (any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed)
    • ¼ cup Rice Vinegar
    • 3 tablespoon Honey
    • 2 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
    • 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon grated Fresh Ginger
    • 1 tablespoon White Sesame Seeds

    For the salad:

    • 8 leaves Curly Kale, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup shredded Carrots (I buy pre-shredded)
    • 4 Radishes, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup Edamame, shelled
    • 1 Avocado, sliced
    • 2 teaspoon Sesame Seeds, black or white

    Instructions

    • Make the vinaigrette.
      Whisk together the cornstarch and soy sauce until cornstarch is dissolved. In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe container), combine soy sauce-cornstarch mixture with remaining ingredients for vinaigrette. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently (or in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each increment) until it begins to simmer. Continue stirring until vinaigrette thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
    • At least 30 minutes and up to a day before serving, toss kale with 2 tablespoon of vinaigrette and massage dressing into kale leaves.
    • Toss kale with carrots, radishes, edamame and avocado. Add vinaigrette until it is dressed to your liking (you most likely won't need all of the vinaigrette for this recipe, but can refrigerate it for 2 to 3 weeks). Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 1123mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 16808IU | Vitamin C: 147mg | Calcium: 249mg | Iron: 4mg

     

     

     

     

    Related

    « 7 Easy Dishes for a Thanksgiving Potluck
    Spinach Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread »

    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carey

      November 16, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Gorgeous Pictures! This salad looks amazing....

      Reply
    2. Katie

      December 12, 2016 at 2:39 am

      Love this. The colours, the flavours, it's all looking so good. And a welcome respite from the salty / sugary / buttery holiday delights abound right now. Thanks, Jess!

      Reply
      • Jess

        December 12, 2016 at 11:34 am

        Thanks so much sweet friend! I though the same thing - I need as much free + veg as I can get this time of year. Hope you're doing well.

        Reply

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