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    Home » Recipe » Salad » Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette

    Published May 12, 2014 · Updated Aug 18, 2020 by Ginnie · 12 Comments

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    Enjoy a delicious and easy to make Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette!

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette ... this fresh, flavorful vegetarian kale salad recipe makes a delicious, filling meal that everyone will enjoy! This Kale Mexican Salad is filled with delicious, healthy ingredients, like beans, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese and is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. | Hello Little Home #kalesalad #mexicanrecipe #saladrecipe #mexicankalesalad #vinaigrette #vegetarianrecipe

    The weather here in New York was a little crazy this weekend. On Saturday, it was hot and sunny one minute, then pouring rain the next.

    My husband and I walked down to the Lincoln Center for a Beatles exhibit, and we just missed getting drenched. Have I mentioned that I hate rain?

    By Sunday, the storms were gone, and we spent most of the afternoon in the park enjoying the weather.

    It seems like everyone in the city was out and about, and there was some seriously good people watching. Like the Grim Reaper rollerblading around the Central Park loop ... only in New York?

    Mexican Kale Salad

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette ... this fresh, flavorful vegetarian kale salad recipe makes a delicious, filling meal that everyone will enjoy! | Hello Little Home

    Of course, a lazy day in the park wouldn't be complete without a picnic!

    Now, I'm a huge fan of taco salad (the kind with crushed Doritos), but it's not exactly healthy. So I did a little experimenting and created a Mexican Kale Salad with a Chili-Lime Vinaigrette.

    It's the perfect thing for a lazy weekend picnic.

    How to Make Mexican Kale Salad

    This isn't your typical kale salad. Have you ever had one with tough, chewy bits of kale? Sure, it's healthy, but it's not exactly enjoyable to eat.

    I think that's what my husband was expecting when I told him this Kale Mexican Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette was on the menu!

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette ... this fresh, flavorful vegetarian kale salad recipe makes a delicious, filling meal that everyone will enjoy! | Hello Little Home

    There are a few tricks to an enjoyable kale salad.

    First, I like to use lacinato, or "dinosaur," kale, which isn't as tough as curly kale.

    Next, toss the kale with a little olive and salt. This softens up the leaves and breaks down their waxy coating.

    Finally, instead of just tossing the vinaigrette with the kale, use your hands hands and massage it in. Yes, it's a little strange, but it makes big difference.

    My husband was pleasantly surprised by this Mexican Kale Salad, and I think you will be, too! It's full of flavor and filled fresh veggies and other healthy ingredients. The Chili-Lime Vinaigrette is sweet and mildly spicy, and it adds just enough richness to the salad.

    Give it a try at your next picnic or pair it with your favorite meal ... chili, sandwiches, and more!

    You are going to love this Mexican Kale Salad! Get this easy recipe + over 60 more vegetarian summer recipes that are perfect for any occassion! | Hello Little Home
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette

    This Mexican Kale Salad is bursting with fresh, delicious flavors!
    Prep Time30 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 4 main dish servings
    Calories: 483kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch lacinato kale (flat leaf kale)
    • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp salt

    For Vinaigrette:

    • 3 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ tsp cayenne
    • ½ tsp ancho chili pepper powder
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp salt
    • pinch pepper

    For Salad:

    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 15- oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • ¼ cup cilantro (lightly packed), chopped
    • 1 avocado, chopped
    • 1 cup corn, fresh or thawed if frozen
    • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (skip to make vegan)
    • tortilla chips (optional)

    Instructions

    • Wash and dry kale.
    • Remove kale leaves from stems (see note for help).
    • Stack kale leaves and roll up. Slice about ¼-inch thick.
    • Add sliced kale to a large bowl. Toss with 1 tbsp. olive oil and ½ tsp. salt. Set aside while you prepare the remaining salad ingredients.

    Prepare Vinaigrette:

    • In a small bowl, combine lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, ancho chili pepper powder, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Whisk ingredients together.
    • Taste vinaigrette and add more salt, if necessary. Set aside.

    Finish salad:

    • Pour vinaigrette over kale.
    • Take a minute to massage vinaigrette into kale, using your hands.
    • Top kale with cherry tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and corn. Toss to combine.
    • Add avocado and feta cheese to salad. Fold in gently.
    • Serve salad topped with tortilla chips (optional).

    Notes

    To remove tough stems from kale leaves, grab onto top of stem and quickly slide your hand down, separating leaves from stem as you go.
    If you can't find ancho chili pepper powder (I got it at Penzeys), replace it with regular chili powder.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 483kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    Want more recipes similar to this Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette?

    I LOVE a good kale salad recipe! Here are some of my faves:

    • Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing ... this basic recipe has tons of tips for making kale salad!
    • Superfood Salad with Citrus Dressing
    • Kale Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • Easy Italian Pasta Salad
    • Winter Kale Salad with Freekeh and Roasted Vegetables
    • Kale Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Basil Dressing
    • Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
    • Kale Caesar Salad
    • Easy Kale Salad with Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing

    There is so much you can do with a yummy kale salad ... hope you enjoy these recipes!

    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette ... this fresh, flavorful vegetarian kale salad recipe makes a delicious, filling meal that everyone will enjoy! This Kale Mexican Salad is filled with delicious, healthy ingredients, like beans, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese and is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. | Hello Little Home #kalesalad #mexicanrecipe #saladrecipe #mexicankalesalad #vinaigrette #vegetarianrecipe

    Do you have a favorite picnic food?


    Mexican Kale Salad with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    12 Comments
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    Creative Mama Renee
    7 years ago

    I'm going to have to add this to my Meatless Monday rotation! Fresh, local dinosaur kale is only available for another month or so until it gets too hot to grow it in the valley!

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    Reply
    shanalou18
    8 years ago

    These look really good! I'm definitely pinning it!
    Cheers!
    Shana from Technotini.com

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    Reply
    ctrochelman
    8 years ago

    I love the use of kale and the delicious flavor combination you put together!!

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    Reply
    ishouldbemoppingthefloor
    8 years ago

    This looks beautiful and delicious!

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    Reply
    Laurie
    8 years ago

    Thanks for linking up to the Tip Me Tuesday linky party! {knuckle bumps} Did you know that I can "lend" your blog posts my Google page rank for better search engine traffic? {fabulous} If you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room, you'll be in business! {wink} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}

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    Reply
    Alison Agnew (@Nancherrrow)
    8 years ago

    I just bought a huge bag of kale and was going to make chips with it, but now I think otherwise! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

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    Reply
    Rachel Kathyg
    8 years ago

    Ginnie, your salad looks fabulous! I love kale And I love Tex-mex flavors so I am sure this would be a winner in our house....pinned to try. found at sweet bella roos linky. Hope you are having a wonderful week..And, tee--hee...cutting back on carbs at my house too...funny....

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    Author
    Ginnie
    8 years ago
    Reply to  Rachel Kathyg

    Thank you! I hope you try it - it's really good:) It's so hard to cut back on carbs ... ha ha ... always a favorite of mine!

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    Reply
    Heather Smith {Woods of Bell Trees}
    8 years ago

    Mmmmm I so want a salad! Now that I am not eating a lot of carbs I actually want to eat green things! I try to eat them but I am not always the greatest about it! What a sweet surprise! 😀

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    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    8 years ago
    Reply to  Heather Smith {Woods of Bell Trees}

    I'm trying to cut back on carbs, too ... it's so hard! This salad is fairly substantial, so it doesn't feel like you are depriving yourself;)

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    Reply
    simplyvegetarian777
    8 years ago

    Lovely salad! Good to meet you at twitter. I too blog for Meatless Mondays :).

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    8 years ago
    Reply to  simplyvegetarian777

    Thank you! I'm so glad you came over from Twitter - will definitely be checking out your blog, too:)

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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