First things first, this kale salad wasn’t meant to be a post (hence the quick Instagram photo!) but I realized that I had never blogged about one of the staple salads I make so often at home. When I put this together a few days ago, I couldn’t help but share.
I know many of you have been on the kale train for a while already now. It’s the one superfood that gets undivided attention. Something tells me that chia seeds are on their way to being the next big thing, and quinoa and goji berries already are. I don’t really care for quinoa to be honest — and believe me, I’ve tried! — but there’s something about its texture that I don’t find appealing. If you know how to convince me otherwise, I’m all ears! I’d take Israeli couscous, barley or farro over quinoa any day of the week. But I digress! I do enjoy kale — mainly prepared two ways, marinated (like this tasty concoction) or as a snack in form of super crunchy kale chips. You know the drill, cut the kale into bite size pieces, add a little pinch of salt, a little olive oil and bake until crisp and not too dark — yum!
This Fall salad is a loved side dish for any night of the week in my house — my only word of wisdom is to make sure you let the kale marinate long enough (at least 1 hour) in the dressing so it has time to break down and lose some of its edge. It’s actually a great salad to whip up in the morning before starting the day so you can then just pull it out for dinner. I then add the almonds at the last minute, so they don’t get soggy. I’ve made countless version of this salad, usually containing dried fruit and some sort of nut. I love the combo of currants and pine nuts (with a few shavings of Parmesan cheese), golden raisins and hazelnuts but this combo has the key to my heart at this time of year.
Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Almonds
3 tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
1/3 cup pomegrante seeds
1/4 toasted sliced almonds
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice,honey and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add kale to large bowl, drizzle dressing overtop. Depending on the amount of kale, you may need to add a little more olive oil and lemon. The kale should be lightly dressed, but every pieces still be happily dressed. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Top with pomegranate seeds and almonds. Enjoy!
Ashley
November 4, 2013 at 7:27 am (10 years ago)I don’t like quinoa either … I keep trying but I just don’t enjoy it! But kale … now kale I like. This salad looks delicious – I love the color the pomegranate seeds give it!
jennifer
November 4, 2013 at 1:16 pm (10 years ago)The pomegranate definitely knows how to liven up those dark kale leaves!
Shundara@SavyNaturalista
November 4, 2013 at 11:12 am (10 years ago)Beautiful salad, I love quinoa I guess it depends on how you cook it.. Yum, Yum!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
November 4, 2013 at 12:18 pm (10 years ago)I love kale salads. My sister has a pomegranate tree and I’m always looking for ways to use them up.
And thanks for the comment on my blog, because now I have found your blog! Can’t wait to see what you make next : )
jennifer
November 4, 2013 at 1:15 pm (10 years ago)I hope you try the pomegranate with the kale, it’s one of my favourite combinations. I have pomegranate tree envy though– I can never get enough of the plump jewel seeds at this time of year so it must be great to always have them on hand!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron
November 5, 2013 at 1:30 pm (10 years ago)I love superfoods and mostly all the ones you’ve listed.. I’ve tried quinoa 2-3 times so far, so I don’t have a strong opinion but I guess it takes time to get used to the texture. Anyway, this kale salad looks wonderful! I love pomegranates and kale!
Jan @ Family Bites
November 13, 2013 at 7:32 am (10 years ago)I love kale salads and this one looks pretty amazing. Also, I’m kind of with you on the quinoa – I’ve had one salad made with it that I liked, but beyond that I’m not overly fond of it.
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
November 21, 2013 at 9:41 pm (10 years ago)I love the look of this salad! So bright, fresh and looks so crisp! I love that. I have never tried quinoa before, although I’ve heard lots about it – I’ll need to try it sometime. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy this gorgeous salad!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:43 pm (10 years ago)Let me know what you think!