I don’t know about you, but kale is a relatively new item on my grocery list.  And, I have to say that I’m LOVING it!   Kale is a member cruciferous family (along with cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli) which means it not only helps prevent certain types of cancers, but it’s an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids.

My friend Karen gave me this recipe after a recent dinner party.  EVERYONE wanted the recipe at the end of the meal.  So try this lovely salad which is a great alternative to much heavier side dishes.

Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 lb. total), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced
12 ounces brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped
1 cup finely grated Pecorino

Preparation

  • Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
  • Measure 1/2 cup olive oil into a cup. Spoon 1 Tbsp. of the oil into a small skillet; heat oil over medium-high heat. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle almonds lightly with salt.
  • Slowly whisk remaining olive oil in cup into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.

The dressing, kale mixture, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature.

Thanks to Karen for sharing this amazing salad with us.  Please let us know your favorite kale recipes.  We’ll look forward to trying your new, super healthy dish!

 

Eat Well & Stay Well,

Molly