Are you craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious salad? Then you're in the right place! Inspired by the incredibly popular kale salad at True Food Kitchen, this recipe brings you the same fresh, flavorful experience, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal prep option, or a stunning side dish for any occasion. This easy recipe is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, making it one of the best recipes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Get ready to elevate your salad game!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your needs.
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For the Kale Massage:
- 1 bunch of lacinato kale (also known as Tuscan kale), stems removed and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Salad:
- 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes, cubed (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta for a sharper taste)
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For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Massaging the Kale
This crucial step is key to tenderizing the kale and making it more palatable. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly softer and darker in color. This process breaks down the tough fibers in the kale, resulting in a more enjoyable texture.
Step 2: Roasting the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
Step 3: Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Step 4: Assembling the Salad
Add the massaged kale to a large bowl. Then, add the roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, and crumbled goat cheese. Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serving
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious and healthy kale salad! This homemade cooking creation is perfect on its own or as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra crunch: Add some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts.
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu would be delicious additions.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of cranberries.
- Prep ahead: You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the dressing ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 10-12g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Fiber: 8-10g
This delicious and nutritious kale salad is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are also easy to prepare. Enjoy!