This post was sponsored by Manitoba Harvest. Thank you for supporting brands who support vk!

Can we talk about citrus season? This time of year when it’s dark and gloomy outside, at least we can still have little rays of sunshine via our fruit drawer. I can’t stop eating oranges/grapefruit/tangelos/mandarins/blood oranges/sumo oranges/every single other citrus variety because they are just SO good right now. I’m loving adding citrus to all-of-the-things including warm water with lemon (basic, but digestively delicious), on top of oatmeal, in a smoothie with lots of greens (this one with ginger and fresh oranges is a favorite!), and in salads – so many salads.

Because I’m a salad every single day kind of girl, I’ve been experimenting with adding in a variety of citrus fruits to different types of salads. I’ve found that citrus paired with creamy avocado, crisp kale, and nutty hemp seeds is probably the most delicious way to enjoy citrus in a salad – plus it’s super beautiful – and easy – too.

The ingredients in this kale salad are truly amazing for your body. Let’s talk about them! Citrus, the seasonal star of this salad, are abundant in vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits are most known for their vitamin C content, which is vital in collagen synthesis, supporting the integrity of the skin, and aiding in immune system support. Citrus fruits also contain potassium, folate, calcium, B vitamins, and a variety of phytochemicals, the latter of which function as inflammation-busting antioxidants.

Hemp seeds (also called hemp hearts), which make up the creamy dressing and are sprinkled on top of the kale salad for a little bit of nutty texture, are one of my favorite little superfoods. Containing all ten essential amino acids, hemp seeds are a great source of (easy to digest) protein, including a particular amino acid called arginine. This amino acid produces nitric acid in the body which works to dilate and relax blood vessels, therefore reducing blood pressure and lowering risk of heart disease.

Hemp seeds also contain an impressive amount of digestive friendly fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Manitoba Harvest makes makes my favorite hemp seeds that can be found in practically every natural grocery store, and now even in Walmart’s baking aisle! I like to store my hemp seeds in an airtight jar in my refrigerator to keep them fresh an delicious! If you want to get a coupon, check out Checkout51 app and search for Manitoba Harvest! I like to store my hemp seeds in an airtight jar in my refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious.

Avocado is a salad essential, in my book. Incredibly nutrient-dense, avocados contain ample fiber, vitamin K, folate, vitamins C, E, B5, and B6, among other vitamins and minerals. They’re also a delicious source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Finally, kale is another nutrient packed green you need in your life. Part of the cruciferous family of vegetables (which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.), kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These antioxidant compounds are thought to reduce oxidative damage to cells in the body and lower total body inflammation. Of course, kale can be a bit intense on its own – especially raw. That’s why I love massaging it with a zesty salad dressing rich in an acid and fat, which help to break it down. The salad dressing in this kale salad recipe does just the trick, as it’s made with fresh squeezed orange juice, olive oil, and hemp seeds.

The salad dressing, FYI, is a game-changing (and protein-rich) salad dressing. Simply add all your ingredients to a blender to make the creamiest and zestiest dressing in existence. And because it’s homemade, you won’t have to worry about mystery ingredients, artificial sweeteners, and other oddball preservatives lingering around – what a win!

Nutty hemp seeds + crisp kale + bright citrus + creamy avocado = a seasonal salad to brighten up any winter day!

Citrus and Avocado Kale Salad with Creamy Hemp Dressing

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/2 head lacinato kale
1/2 head purple kale
2 sumo oranges, peeled and sliced
1 grapefruit, peeled, sliced, and cut into quarters
4 blood oranges, peeled and sliced
2 avocado, skin removed and sliced
1/4 cup Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds, to garnish

Creamy Hemp Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
4 Tbsp. olive oil
4 Tbsp. fresh squeezed citrus of juice (orange, lemon, blood orange, etc.)
1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare the dressing first. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender, food processor, or to an immersion blender-safe jar. Blend on high until dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add in a splash or two of water. Pour dressing into a jar and set aside. If making ahead of time, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Prepare the kale salad. Remove stems from kale and discard – or compost! Roughly chop into small ribbons and add to a large bowl. Drizzle 1/4 cup of dressing onto kale leaves. Use your hands to massage dressing into kale for 2-3 minutes, or until leaves break down and become smooth and silky.

3. Top massaged kale with citrus, avocado, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds. Lightly toss.

4. Serve salad and devour!