Kale Yeah! Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Maple-Dijon Dressing
Recipe Introduction: Say "Kale Yeah!" to This Salad!
Ever stared at a bunch of kale and thought, "ugh, rabbit food"? honestly, me too! but hold on, because i'm about to change your mind.
We're diving headfirst into some seriously delicious kale salad ideas , starting with my all-time favourite: kale yeah! massaged kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes & maple dijon dressing .
This salad is packed with flavour and textures, and you won't believe it's actually good for you!
This vibrant salad takes the humble kale to the next level. think autumn in a bowl! it blends the bitterness of massaged kale with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.
The origin of massaged kale salad lies in making kale more palatable, by breaking down its tough fibers. this recipe is super easy.
It takes around 50 minutes to make, yielding about 4 servings. that's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck!
Why This Salad Rocks
The star of the show is, of course, the kale. healthy eating salads should be enjoyable, right? and this one is! kale is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
This recipe is especially perfect for autumn gatherings. think thanksgiving side dish or a cozy weeknight meal. what makes this recipe extra special? that maple dijon dressing salad .
It's sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.
Fresh Kale Salad Recipes : What You'll Need
Alright, let's gather our ingredients. for the sweet potato kale salad , you'll need sweet potatoes, olive oil, and some spices.
We use smoked paprika for a little somethin' somethin'. for the kale, you'll need, well, kale! plus some olive oil and lemon juice for the all-important massage.
And don't forget the pecans and dried cranberries for that extra crunch and sweetness. oh my gosh, i can already taste it!
Making the magic: How to make kale salad
First, we're gonna roast those sweet potatoes. i always preheat my oven to 400° f ( 200° c). then we're gonna massage the kale with oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Yes, you read that right! massaging breaks down the kale and makes it tender. it's kind of like giving your kale a spa day.
It's so much better than those delicious kale recipes that only taste good if you drench them in dressing. for the vegan kale salad options , simply ensure the maple syrup is pure.
Let's Talk Dressing: Maple Dijon dressing salad Secrets
The dressing is seriously the key! whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust as needed. some people like it sweeter, some like it tangier. you do you! honestly, i could drink this dressing straight.
Now, assemble the salad, toss with the dressing, and enjoy. this make-ahead kale salad is also great because you can prepare most of it in advance.
See? kale can be delicious! let me know what you think!
Let's Get Salady! The Ingredients & Equipment Lowdown
Right, let's talk ingredients for my "kale yeah!" salad. honestly, this massaged kale salad recipe is all about simple flavours done well.
No need to be a masterchef. i once tried to get fancy, and it was a disaster. back to basics is key! you will find here some delicious kale recipes and useful tips.
Main Players in This Fresh Kale Salad Recipes
Okay, so, first, the sweet potatoes. you'll need 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g/1.1 lbs ). look for ones that are firm, with smooth skin.
No squishy bits, alright? for the kale itself, grab 1 bunch (around 250g/8.8 oz ). the leaves should be a vibrant green and not wilted.
For the olive oil for roasting potatoes you need 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ).
Next up, the kale! we use 1 bunch kale (about 250g / 8.8 oz ). don't be shy, give those leaves a good wash.
You will need 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) , 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml) and 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.
5g) .
Finally, for that maple dijon magic, you need 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml) , 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30 ml) , 2 tablespoons dijon mustard (30 ml) , 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml) , 1 clove garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper (1/4 teaspoon - 1.
5g) . the maple syrup is key. it adds sweetness.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Smoked paprika is a must. a 1/2 teaspoon gives the sweet potatoes that smoky depth. for the dressing, dijon mustard is crucial.
You could use a different mustard, but dijon gives it that classic tang. a bit of minced garlic is good too! for an extra kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing.
Remember that maple dijon dressing salad can be customized. don't be scared to experiment!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Right, the equipment. nothing too fancy needed. you'll need a large baking sheet for roasting the sweet potatoes. a large bowl for massaging the kale and tossing everything together.
A small bowl or jar is all you need for whisking up that killer dressing. if you don't have a baking sheet, a large roasting pan will do.
That’s all you need to make this autumn kale salad !
This vegan kale salad options is one of the healthy eating salads i make frequently because it´s so versatile and delicious! if you are wondering how to make kale salad , this is the recipe for you! it´s simple, and you can even make-ahead kale salad to save time!.
So let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Massaging Your Kale Like a Pro
Hey there, foodie friends! ever since i discovered how to massage kale, my salad game has been seriously elevated. i'm not joking.
Before, kale salad ideas sounded about as appealing as a soggy lettuce leaf. but now? i crave it! let me tell you all about it.
This is a make-ahead kale salad recipe that's super easy.
Prep Steps for Delicious Kale Recipes
First, you gotta get organized. it's called "mise en place" which sounds fancy, but just means "everything in its place.
" remove the tough stems from your kale . chop the leaves. you'll need about 250g. measure out 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
This method is essential for how to make kale salad ! for autumn kale salad and sweet potato kale salad recipes, prepare you roasted sweet potatoes .
Time Saving Tip: Chop the kale and mix the dressing a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Then just massage and assemble when you're ready to eat.
step-by-step Massaged kale salad recipe
Okay, here's the secret to actually enjoying kale:
- Place your chopped kale into a large bowl.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Now, get your hands in there! This is where the magic happens.
- Massage the kale for about 2- 3 minutes . Keep going until it softens.
- Notice how the leaves get darker green? That's what you want.
That's it! You've conquered the kale.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Honestly, the massage is key. don't skip it! massaging breaks down the tough fibers. nobody wants to chew on cardboard.
Common mistake to avoid: not massaging enough. the kale will be too tough. one of the fresh kale salad recipes is to add the maple dijon dressing salad .
I found out that a vegan kale salad options is to ensure the maple syrup is pure without honey.
For some extra flavor, add roasted veggies like sweet potatoes. i love throwing in pecans, too. toasted, of course! make-ahead option: massage the kale and store it in the fridge.
It'll keep for a day or two. this is perfect for busy weeknights. now you're ready to conquer some healthy eating salads .
Recipe Notes for Your "Kale Yeah!" Salad
Honestly, this massaged kale salad recipe is pretty foolproof. But a few extra tips can take it from good to amazing . You know? Let's dive in.
Serving Up Some Style
Think about how you want to present your masterpiece. a rustic wooden bowl? fancy plates? it all works! for plating, consider layering the ingredients.
Pile the sweet potato kale salad high, then strategically scatter the pecans and cranberries. a drizzle more dressing never hurt anyone.
This salad pairs great with grilled chicken or some crusty bread for dipping in the lovely maple dijon dressing salad .
Storing Like a Pro
Leftovers? lucky you! if you want to make-ahead kale salad , hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving.
The kale can get soggy otherwise. store dressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. the roasted sweet potatoes will keep well separately for 3 days.
Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. freezing is not really recommended, as the kale will lose its texture.
Playing Around with Flavors
Want to mix things up? this is where you can get creative! for a vegan kale salad options , make sure your maple syrup is the real deal.
Lots of brands sneak in honey. urgh! if you're not a fan of pecans, try toasted pumpkin seeds. want a autumn kale salad version? add some apples or pears! how about fresh kale salad recipes with cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
This isn't just any salad, it's a powerhouse! kale is packed with vitamins. sweet potato kale salad offers fiber and beta carotene.
The nuts provide healthy fats and protein. each serving is roughly 450 calories. but more importantly, it’s absolutely delicious! that fact alone adds to the healthy eating salads credentials.
So there you have it! all the insider secrets to making a killer "kale yeah!" salad. now go on and create some food magic.
Get ready to learn how to make kale salad and enjoy one of the most delicious kale recipes . you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to massage the kale? Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it?
Massaging the kale is crucial! Raw kale can be tough and bitter. Massaging it with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt helps break down those tough fibers, making it much more tender and palatable almost like giving it a little spa treatment.
Think of it as the secret to turning kale from a "meh" ingredient to a "yeah!" ingredient.
Can I make this "Kale Yeah!" salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the Maple Dijon dressing in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. However, for the best results, assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the kale from getting soggy. No one wants a soggy salad, darling!
What are some other great ingredients I can add? I need more kale salad ideas!
The possibilities are endless! Feel free to add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy kick. Other great additions include roasted chickpeas for extra protein, sliced apples or pears for sweetness, or even some cooked quinoa or farro to make it a heartier meal.
You could even throw in some pomegranate seeds for a festive touch, perfect for the holidays.
How long will leftover kale salad last in the fridge?
Kale is pretty resilient, but dressed kale salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. The dressing can cause the kale to wilt over time. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it as fresh as possible. Best to avoid a soggy bottom at all costs!
Is this "Kale Yeah!" salad actually healthy? It tastes too good to be true!
You bet it is! Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamin A, and the pecans offer healthy fats. The Maple Dijon dressing adds flavor without being overly heavy.
Just remember to enjoy everything in moderation, as Mary Berry always advises.
I don't have maple syrup. Can I use honey in the dressing instead?
Yes, you can definitely substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing! Honey will add a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious. If you're vegan, make sure to use a pure maple syrup, as some may contain honey. Agave nectar would also work nicely!
Kale Yeah Massaged Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 7g |
