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.

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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

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7 Responses to “Herbed Mustard Salmon”

  1. #
    1
    Sues — February 25, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    I’m always looking for new ways to prepare salmon, too, and I love the idea of herbed mustard!

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    2
    Shannon — February 25, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    this looks so flavorful and juicy! delish 🙂

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    3
    Megan — February 26, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    Jeff doesn’t love salmon, but I bet I could get him to eat it with this topping. Sounds so flavorful!

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    4
    Kristina — March 13, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    This looks amazing! I have everything for the sauce already other than the Dijon Mustard. Do you think I can use regular mustard?

    • beantownbaker — March 13th, 2013 @ 8:45 pm

      It would definitely have a different flavor profile, but I love regular mustard! I think it would be great – let me know what you think of it.

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    5
    Sandy — May 23, 2013 at 9:40 am

    Made this last night! SO good! My boyfriend and i both finished our plates and he declared this recipe as a keeper! Thanks so much for keeping it easy!

    • beantownbaker — June 10th, 2013 @ 1:15 pm

      So glad you guys enjoyed it! I love recipes like this where you can customize it and still have dinner on the table in no time flat.

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