Skip to main content

Hearty Greens with Kumquats

This vibrant vegan salad combines robust winter greens with the bright, citrusy punch of kumquats. By using a mix of kale, mustard greens, and escarole, you create a base of varying textures and bitter notes that pair beautifully with a crisp apple cider vinaigrette. It is a refreshing departure from standard leafy salads, offering a sophisticated balance of flavours that feels both light and deeply nourishing.

Ideal as a healthy lunch or a zesty side dish for a weekend dinner, this recipe is particularly convenient as the components can be prepped the night before. Chilling the greens and fruit overnight ensures they remain crisp, while the final addition of toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh chives provides a satisfying crunch and a savoury finish to every bite.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Hearty Greens with Kumquats

  • 12 cups mixed hearty greens (such as escarole, mustard greens, and kale)

  • 1 cup kumquats, cut into thin rounds, seeded

  • 80g Granny Smith Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 cup 1" pieces chives

  • 3 tablespoons roasted salted shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

How to make Hearty Greens with Kumquats

Store 12 cups mixed hearty greens (such as escarole, mustard greens, and kale; if using mustard greens or kale, fold leaves over and cut off tough centre rib and stems) and 240ml kumquats, cut into thin rounds, seeded, in 2 separate resealable plastic bags. Chill greens and kumquats overnight. Before serving, empty bags with greens and kumquats into a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup Granny Smith Apple Cider Vinaigrette to salad and toss to evenly coat.

Add more vinaigrette, if desired. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter 1/4 cup 1" pieces chives and, for a little crunch, 3 tablespoons roasted salted shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.