Massaged Kale Salad
One of the shows that I enjoy watching is Next Food Network Star. I thought they sent Brad home too early, and I was really starting to like Tom towards the end. I wasn’t surprised when Aarti won because I had seen it on Food Network Humor that FoodNetwork.com had leaked the winner. I decided to watch Aarti’s first episode to see how it went. When I saw her make this massaged kale salad, I was intrigued. And, since kale is something I’ve never made at home, this recipe would help me get something done off my 30 by 30 list.
I’m sure I’ve had kale in entrees when eating out, but like I said, I have definitely never bought it or done anything with it at home. I grabbed a big bunch at the farmers market and gave this recipe a shot. Hubby said that his mom used to make kale when he was young and he never liked it, so he was a bit apprehensive about trying this salad.
I’m sure you’re wondering how it was? It was delicious! Hubby said it was the best kale he’d ever had. The kale had a great flavor. It reminded me of a really hearty spinach flavor. The lemony vinagrette and the mango chunks provide a great brightness and sweetness to the salad.
AND, the best thing about this salad is that it keeps in the fridge! We had it the first night as a side dish with some Peppery Lemon Brown Sugar Salmon and the next day we both had some in our lunches. It didn’t get super soggy like a dressed lettuce salad would.
Massaged Kale Salad
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons honey
Freshly ground black pepper
1 mango, diced small
Small handful toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Directions:
In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes.
Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas. Toss and serve.
Recipe from Aarti Sequeira
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
That looks really good, a new take on potato salad..can’t wait to try it out!
Mmm I like potato salad and with coriander yum!
http://Www.brisbanebaker.blogspot.com
Lemon and cilantro are the perfect couple! I love your story — I have a notebook with family recipes in it with names like “Christina’s Dip” or “Mary’s Potato Salad” (yes, I have a potato salad lady too!). I feel that it is only fitting to name the dish after them 🙂
That looks great! We are having the in-laws over Friday night and grilling burgers and I think this will be a perfect side!
Hubby’s Mom here: for those who don’t like cilantro (and I know, hard to believe there are people who don’t like it), you can substitute basil. This potato salad is really good either way.
This sounds wonderfully fresh and flavorful. I’m not a big fan of mayonnaise-y potato salad so this sounds great!
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Oooh potato salad definitely makes me think of warm weather. And even more so with lemon and cilantro! Plus, it’s so pretty 🙂
Sues
we made this last night and it was awesome!! will definitely be making it again. so easy and delicious!
Love your blog!! We made this last night – it was amazing!!! We love potato salad, but never eat it because of how horrible it is for you. This is going to be a summer staple recipe for us. Thanks!!!
I’m making this now, but what do I do with the shallot?
Marguerite – If you’re using shallots instead of scallions, just add them in near the end where it says to stir in the scallion.s