Detox Kale Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kale:
   • Wash the kale leaves thoroughly and remove the tough stems.
   • Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
2. Massage the Kale:
   • Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
   • Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the kale.
   • Massage the kale with your hands for a few minutes until it becomes tender. This helps to reduce bitterness.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grated carrot, diced avocado, and sliced red onion to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine and Toss:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
   • Toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6. Optional Add-ins:
   • If desired, add cooked quinoa for extra protein and feta cheese for a tangy flavor.
7. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the detox kale salad immediately, or refrigerate for a short time to let the flavors meld.