Ahh, the first week of January – when recipe searches change from decadent goodies to a bit more healthy fare. I was going to call this recipe a “cleanse” or “detox” salad but unfortunately those terms nowadays are often paired with unhealthy and even dangerous dieting practices like starving yourself for days. I’d rather eat good, wholesome food.
I never though raw kale was something that was palatable but after listening to cookbook author & NYT columnist Melissa Clark describe how to make a similar salad on The Splendid Table, I was intrigued. It is amazing how a little bit of oil and acid breaks down tough greens within minutes and makes them more tender.
You can switch up this salad with different infused oils (think rosemary or ginger) and different nuts. It tastes even better the next day – I like to make a big batch to hang out in my fridge for those days I need to balance my not-so-healthy choices.
PrintFresh Kale Salad with Pistachios
- Yield: 6 - 8 servings 1x
Description
It is amazing how a little bit of oil and acid breaks down tough greens within minutes and makes them more tender.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 cups raw kale, ribs removed and coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pistachios, shelled
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan over medium heat, mix olive oil and paprika . Heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add kale. Pour oil over over kale. Toss in lemon juice and pistachios; mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Do you have a favorite kale recipe? (But please, no more kale chip recipes :))
Marilyn Crownover
Saturday 23rd of March 2013
While I appreciate your backstory on this delicious recipe ( have made it 3x), you have a "misstep" in your opener. You have incorrectly used "more healthier" fare. HEALTHIER is already in the comparative form of the adjective, adding "more" is redundant; it's akin to using another grossly made common error-- the hideous "double negative".
Deanna
Sunday 24th of March 2013
It's been corrected - thanks for editorial eyes. Glad you've enjoyed the recipe.
Tania
Monday 14th of January 2013
This looks excellent. I love kale, and love smoky paprika... why haven't I combined them yet? My favorite kale recipe is creamy kale with baked eggs: http://themusingbouche.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/creamy-kale-and-eggs/ such a great combo!
Deanna
Monday 14th of January 2013
I'm slightly obsessed with smoked paprika. Just checked out your recipe on creamed kale - brilliant!
Kaydee
Tuesday 7th of February 2012
Where have you been all my life, Kale? I've had it cooked before, with great results. Raw was a new adventure, but your tips helped! It was phenomenal. Thanks! (and beautiful picture)
Deanna
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Glad you found it helpful - it couldn't be easier :)
susan
Thursday 5th of January 2012
kale salad is my weekly addiciton. this looks delish - espeically love the addition of pistachios!
Deanna
Thursday 5th of January 2012
Thanks, Susan - I think it will be my weekly staple too all winter - will try dried cranberries next time :)
Sindy
Thursday 5th of January 2012
I made a recipe for Blueberry Kale salad a few months ago and they recommended "massaging" the olive oil and salt into the kale. It makes is tender and a beautiful vibrant/shiny green! I too was amazed that kale was palatable raw.
Deanna
Thursday 5th of January 2012
Ooh, love the idea of blueberries added in!