Super Green Salad with Strawberries

One of my favorite gals, Courtney over at The Fig Tree, thought up the fun idea of getting a bunch of food bloggers together for a Virtual Veggie Potluck!

Whenever I bring a dish to a potluck, I always make sure it's something I love, in case it's the only thing I can eat.  I know it's a bit cliche for a vegan to say, but I love freshly chopped salads.  So that's what I decided to make ;)

The salad is super simple to make, but it is really refreshing and delicious.  I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful spring produce which is now appearing in abundance at the grocery store.

Although I didn't include a protein in the salad, feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or beans.  My favorite addition is warm, cooked quinoa and walnuts.  I have been making this salad the last two weeks for dinner and just cannot get enough of it!

Super Green Salad with Strawberries
1 bunch of kale (about 8 large leaves), stems removed and thinly sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
1 zucchini, finely chopped
1 bunch of asparagus, woody ends removed and chopped into 1/2" pieces
1 avocado, peeled, cubed, and tossed with lemon juice
1 pear, cut into 1/4-1/2" pieces
12 strawberries, cut into 1/4-1/2" pieces
sea salt

Place prepared kale into a large bowl.  Sprinkle with salt and massage until kale has significantly reduced in size and is brightly colored(learned this technique here).  Toss with cucumber, zucchini, asparagus, avocado, and pear.  Top with strawberries and lemon-olive oil dressing.

Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
pinch of sea salt

Whisk together ingredients.  Taste and adjust flavor according to preference.  Immediately dress salads or cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Check out the other awesome bloggers involved in the Virtual Veggie Potluck!

The Fig Tree- Mango Avocado Salad with Pineapple Mint Dressing
Flavour Food and Wine- Broccoflower Guacamole
Fork and Beans- Stuffed Bell Peppers
The Healthy Wife- Lime Cilantro Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Hobby and More- Chard Cauliflower Carrot Wraps
Peaches and Cream- Big Bertha Burger
Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes- Strawberry Rhubarb Coconut Crumb Bars
Vanilla and Spice- Avocado Potato Salad
VIMWAC- Vegan Chocolate and Banana Rolled Oat Bites
Will Cook for Friends- Peaches and Cream Parfaits