Superfood Salad

Why I Love This Recipe

I call this a Superfood Salad because so many of the ingredients, like kale, Brussels sprouts, nuts, seeds, and colorful vegetables, are commonly grouped into the “superfood” category. What I love most, though, is how they all come together in a way that feels approachable and easy to enjoy. It’s one of my favorite Healthy and Easy Recipe Ideas.

• It’s hearty and filling: The combination of kale and Brussels sprouts creates a sturdy base that doesn’t wilt easily.
• Great for meal prep: This salad holds up beautifully, even after it’s been dressed with the delicious Miso Sesame Dressing. Make it at the beginning of the week and you’ve got lunch prepped! For another hearty meal prep salad with salmon, my Crispy Rice Salmon Salad is incredible and keeps beautifully in the fridge all week.
• Totally customizable: Swap the protein (try Lemon Herb Chicken or sauteed pesto shrimp), change the veggies, or use your favorite store-bought dressing.
• Lots of texture: Crunchy seeds, nuts, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado make every bite interesting. You’ll never get bored of this salad.

The Ingredients

This recipe is easy to customize, which is one of the things I love most about it. My main tip is to “eat the rainbow”, if you choose to switch out ingredients. Use lots of colors, play with different textures, and finish it with a dressing you love.

• Kale and Brussels sprouts: Finely shredded and grated for the perfect chopped salad base.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds add crunch and richness.
• Dried cranberries or cherries: A touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
• Fresh vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, bell pepper, cucumbers, and lightly steamed broccoli add color, variety and tons of crunch.
• Avocado: Creamy and satisfying. There’s nothing better than a perfectly ripe avocado is there?
• Salmon: Simple broiled salmon turns this salad into a complete meal, but it’s easy to swap or skip if you need this to be vegetarian.
• Miso Sesame Dressing (or Dressing of Choice): My favorite dressing for this salad is this Miso Sesame Dressing, a combination of white miso paste, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup and a neutral oil, but there are more dressing options in the recipe card notes below.

*For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.*

How to Make Superfood Salad

Step 1: Build The Salad. Add the grated Brussels sprouts, shredded kale, nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, vegetables, and broccoli to a large bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly combined.

Step 2: Divide the salad between four bowls.

Step 3: Top with broiled salmon (or protein of choice), if using.

Step 4: Finish with Miso Sesame Dressing or your favorite dressing and serve.

Tips and Tricks

• Chop everything small: This makes the salad easier to eat and helps all the flavors mix together.
• Use sturdy greens: Kale and Brussels sprouts are ideal because they don’t get soggy quickly.
• Switch up the protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu (this Sweet Gingery Tofu is next level!), quinoa or Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas all work well here.
• More Dressing Options: This pairs well with a simple vinaigrette like my Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette or Citrus Herb Vinaigrette or try something like Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing or Vegan Sesame Dressing.