Warm Kale Salad
Let’s talk about kale, shall we? It’s one of those things that people either love or hate, like Mondays or pineapple on pizza. Now, I’m not one to typically go for a kale salad when I’m in the mood for some greens, but this warm kale salad has me feeling a different type of way. I mean, if kale can make a convert out of me, it can work wonders for anyone, right?
Warm Kale Salad
Alright, I have a confession to make: I used to think kale was overrated, and way too fibrous. If there was a kale salad on the menu, Id usually graze over it. But that was before I discovered the magic of a warm kale salad. Yes, you heard me right, warm kale. The leafy green gets a bad rep for being too tough and bitter, but trust me, a little massaging, the right dressing and ingredients can turn a kale salad into a tender and delicious dish.
Health Benefits of Kale
We all know that at one point Kale, was the new trendy leafy green. It is in fact packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, iron, and calcium, this versatile veggie can help boost your immune system, aid in digestion, and support healthy bones. Plus, it’s low in calories and high in antioxidants. But how did kale become so popular? It’s all thanks to its impressive nutrients and how versatile it can be. From smoothies to salads to crispy kale chips. A girl loves her versatility.
Ingredients for warm kale salad
You don’t need much to make this delicious kale salad recipe. You’ll need a few fresh and simple ingredients and your toppings of choice.
- Kale (preferably Lacinato or “dinosaur” kale)
- Dried Cranberries
- Crispy Quinoa
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Salt
- Pecans
- Orange Juice
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey
- EVOO
How to avoid bitter kale
No one likes a bitter salad. And kale is one of those veggies that can be pretty bitter if not prepared properly. But fear not, my friends! There are a few easy ways to remove that bitterness and make your kale tender and delicious. Here’s how.
- Massage it – With a bit of salt and olive oil. Massage it as this will help break down the tough fibers and releases some of the bitter compounds.
- Blanch it – Add the kale to boiling water for a minute or two before using it in a recipe. This helps to mellow out the bitterness and make the kale more palatable.
Mix it up, kale salad variations
There are plenty of ways to switch up this warm kale salad recipe. From adding different cheeses, to nuts or protein. This salad can be customized, making it a quick and easy recipe you can modify. Here are just a few ideas:
- Add cheese – feta, parm, gouda or whatever you are into
- Almonds, walnuts, pepitas
- Top with protein – maybe salmon or grilled chicken
- Add fruit – sliced apples or pears
I hope you’ll love this warm kale salad as much as I do! If you do make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Also, feel free to share them on social media, I’d love to see how they came out. Enjoy, friends!!
More salad recipes you’ll love!
Asian Slaw Salad
Warm Kale Salad
Ingredients
Crispy Quinoa
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- pinch of salt
Kale Salad
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1" chunk of ginger (minced)
- 1 bunch of kale (stemmed and massaged)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan
Pecan Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup pecans (chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- juice of ½ orange
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Crispy Quinoa
- Cook quinoa according to the package directions.
- Spread the cooked quinoa thinly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil on top of the quinoa and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Pecan Vinaigrette
- Prepare the vinaigrette by combining orange juice, more minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chopped pecans. Season with salt to taste.
Warm Kale Salad
- Mince ginger and garlic. Clean the kale, remove the stems, and massage it with olive oil and salt. Set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter and add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
- Add dried cranberries to the pan and remove from heat. Mix them into the kale.
- Assemble the salad by pouring the cranberry mixture over the kale. Sprinkle the crispy quinoa and shaved parmesan on top.
- Dress the salad with the pecan dressing. Enjoy!