Vegan Triple A Salad (Apple, Avocado, and Almond)

Base:

  • Kale: Massaged with tahini and lemon juice for a tender and flavorful foundation.

Toppings:

  • Green Apple: Thinly sliced for a crisp, sweet-tart contrast.
  • Avocado: Sliced or diced, adding creamy texture.
  • Sliced Almonds: For a crunchy, nutty element.
  • Raisins: Adding a touch of natural sweetness.
  • Shallots: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor.

Seasoning:

  • Lemon Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Red Pepper Flakes

Dressing:

  • Tahini: For creaminess.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor.
  • Agave: Provides sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh and brightens the dressing.
  • Spring Water: To thin the dressing to desired consistency.
  • Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: For extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:

  • In a large bowl, massage the kale with tahini and lemon juice until the leaves are tender. This helps break down the fibers and makes the kale more palatable.

2. Add the Toppings:

  • Top the massaged kale with slices of green apple, avocado, sliced almonds, raisins, and shallots. These ingredients add a variety of textures and flavors, making the salad more interesting and satisfying.

3. Season the Salad:

  • Sprinkle the salad with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. These seasonings add depth and a hint of spiciness.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, Dijon mustard, agave, lemon juice, spring water, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Adjust the thickness of the dressing by adding more water if necessary.

5. Dress the Salad:

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss to combine and ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. The Triple A Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18-22g
    • Saturated Fat: 2-3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (vegan)
  • Sodium: 150-200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5-7g
    • Sugars: 10-12g
  • Protein: 5-7g

Additional Tips

  1. Kale Preparation: Be sure to massage the kale thoroughly with the tahini and lemon juice, as this helps to soften the leaves and infuse them with flavor.
  2. Variations: Feel free to add or substitute toppings according to your preference. For example, dried cranberries instead of raisins or walnuts instead of almonds.
  3. Storage: If not serving immediately, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

The Triple A Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh kale, crisp apples, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and sweet raisins creates a balanced and satisfying salad. The tangy and creamy tahini dressing ties everything together, making this salad a delicious choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish, this vegan salad is sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and dressings to make it your own!