Tamari & Citrus Kale Salad
I know. I know. Another kale salad. Although this throwback to winter greens turns boring Kale into an exciting culinary adventure of sweet & tangy umami. Can kale be exciting? Trust me, it’s all in the seasoning. Plus, adding nuts, granola or crumbled Winterberry Dalé Bites can add the perfect crunch along with beneficial carbs/protein to keep your body & tastebuds fueled {and happy}.
Dark leafy greens are in season, meaning they are at their best quality in texture & flavor. They have a multitude of vitamins, antioxidants, carotenoids & specific sugars or carbohydrates that feed the good bacteria in your gut. Good bacteria in your gut, in turn, keep things flowing in your body and aid your overall well-being & mood. And I am all for the things that boost my mood. Plant energy can actually be pretty incredible. (Side note: You need to consume some fat with the leafy greens to actually absorb their nutrients).
Pro-Tip:
Not feeling raw kale? You can substitute it with sautéed kale or any seasonal green you have on hand. Who says your salad can’t be warm? Lately, I have been obsessed with wilted collard greens. Add a little white balsamic vinegar, garlic & salt. They can be so tender & flavorful!
Let me know in the comments:
Would you try this salad?
Ingredients
Tamari Citrus Dressing:
Juice & Zest from 1 Orange (about 1 Tbsp each)
1 tsp Tamari or Soy Sauce
1 tsp Ginger, grated fresh or (½ tsp ground)
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
⅛ tsp Salt, & to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
Kale Salad:
1 bu Dino Kale, chiffonade or sliced thin
1 Orange, segmented (save juice for dressing)
¼ C Dried Cranberries
2 Winterberry Dalé Bites, crumbled
2 Edible Marigolds (optional) OR Shaved Carrots
Pro-tip:
Don’t forget to massage your kale! After dressing your kale, massage the leaves with your hands, rubbing the dressing onto the leaves. This tenderizes, seasons & transforms the raw kale into a more pleasurable green to consume.
Directions
1. Mix orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, salt & pepper together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil to form a vinaigrette. Set aside.
2. Toss the dino kale with orange soy vinaigrette, massage, and set aside for at least 5 minutes. (If desired, you can allow the kale to “marinate” for up to an hour).
3. In a serving bowl, place dressed kale with orange segments, dried cranberries & Winterberry Dalé Bite crumbles. If desired, garnish with edible marigolds or shaved carrots.
4. Enjoy for a quick lunch or an interesting dinner side dish!
