By now, most of us have heard the word on the proverbial street that kale is, indeed, a super food. In fact, it’s pretty much the superman of super foods. This curly-leaved dark green is loaded, and I mean LOADED with nutrients, from beta carotene to vitamins A, K, and C, calcium and iron. Chopped or minced raw kale contains the chemical sulforaphane, which has powerful anti-cancer properties. This antioxidant rich food is also low in calories and high in sulfur and fiber, which aids with digestion and helps the body detox and maintain liver health (and what cocktail enthusiast living in NYC couldn’t use more of that?). Basically, if you want to feel good about the foods you’re eating, there’s very little out there that packs more of a nutritional punch than kale.
My fiancé and I love concocting our own recipes together in the kitchen, and over the summer we created this raw kale salad, which we have made several times since. The dressing has subtle hints of sweetness, tanginess, and a little heat, and for us, it’s that interesting balance of flavors that keeps mealtimes interesting! This salad has become a staple at our barbecues and dinner parties, and guests always love it. Based on your personal preferences, you can turn up the heat or sweet to taste. Enjoy!
S & P’s CHOPPED KALE SALAD
Ingredients
1 big bunch of raw kale
Dressing:
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Juice of half a lemon
– 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar (white wine or sherry vinegar work well also)
– 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup
– A few dashes of a hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tobasco) or a pinch of chili powder
– Garlic Salt, Salt & Pepper
Directions
Whisk all dressing ingredients together. Tear kale leaves from the stems (at first I used a knife to separate them, but tearing is much easier/quicker) and chop leaves into bite-sized ribbons. In a large bowl, pour dressing over kale and massage into leaves (note: you really need to massage the dressing well into the greens to break them down and remove some of the bitterness). The kale will be bright green and lightly coated in dressing when you finish. Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and some more salt or pepper as needed. Feel free to top with grilled chicken or fish, or just enjoy on its own!
Have a great weekend!
Stephanie
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
