Supermodel Superfood Salad
If it was possible for a vegetable to be sexy, then kale would be a supermodel. It is the “hottest” vegetable in town for good reason. According to Web MD one cup of kale provides 5 grams of fiber, 15% of calcium and B6, 40% magnesium, 180% vitamin A, 200% vitamin C and 1,020 % vitamin K. Those are impressive numbers toward the daily 100% of each needed, and all in 36 little calories. It is also a good source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and folic acid. Move over spinach, no wonder kale is known as a “super food.”
Not only is kale a nutritional stand-out for its vitamin content, but it comes in three varieties: curly, ornamental and dinosaur. It’s veggie relatives include cabbage, collards, broccoli and brussel sprouts. You can often find kale chips, now sold everywhere, and being hailed as the new, healthy chip. They are delicious and great for snacking, but I am partial to kale salad. I began chopping kale up and tossing it in with all my green salads for extra nutrition and texture. It is a great addition to romaine, spinach, or any of your favorite lettuces. As I started eating more kale, I wanted to try it as a stand alone in my salads. I was on a family vacation and heard a buzz around Aspen, CO about the kale salad at CP Burger. I was hooked! I ate it three consecutive days for lunch, and came home trying to recreate it. They may have a secret ingredient, but I have gotten pretty close here, and I hope you like my “Aspen Salad,” as my kids dubbed it because I ate it every day for months after our trip.
Written and created by Ali Katz of Daughter-In-Law Diaries, a site that focuses on the daughter-in-law/mother-in-law relationship. Ask advice anonymously from certified therapists, find menus to impress the in-laws, fun topics to talk about, or vent safely and anonymously!
Ingredients
- One head of kale (I prefer dinosaur)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup currants
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- One lemon
- Good olive oil to drizzle
- Kosher salt
Directions
Chop one head of raw kale as finely as you can. I prefer the lacinto (dinosaur) kale, but either variety will be fine. The restaurant in Aspen uses the curly kale.
Add pine nuts, dried currants, and grated Parmesan cheese. As I said don’t be shy, the more you put in the yummier it will be! I would estimate at least a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pine nuts and currants, and 1/4 to 1/3 cup parm.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon, drizzle with good olive oil, and sprinkle some salt. This salad is made to taste. If you like it heavier on one ingredient than the other, go for it. If currants aren't your thing, try dried cherries or cranberries.
Toss and taste test. The best part is that you can’t go wrong. I literally just throw it all together and devour it!
When I take this salad to a potluck, people literally scrape the bowl. I hope you enjoy it, too!
http://skinnyms.com/supermodel-superfood-salad/Easy & Delicious Dinner Ideas For Busy Families on a Budget
Is this one serving? And, how long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Hi, Kat! This salad would serve two generously, or 3-4 as a side salad. I often have a friend over for lunch and we eat this as our main course with maybe a cold soup on the side. I have eaten it the next day and it is still good, but I probably wouldn't go much longer than that. You can make it about 30 mins to an hour ahead of time for the kale to soften a little bit if you would like.
I hope you enjoy it!
Hey Ali. We've been on the "add more kale" bandwagon too. I'm having a hard time finding anything but the curly variety these days in Houston grocery stores. Are you able to find dinosaur here (my fav, too)? You mentioned currants but didn't see this listed on the ingredients. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I'll definitely give it a try. I have another recipe that I'll email to you…. even lower cal (no oil).
Yes, that will be added, sorry! You also do dried currants to taste, approx 1/4 cup, but again if you like more that is ok. I just got the dinosaur kale at HEB on Buffalo Speedway. They usually have it!
found actual recipe online  ;http://www.aspenmagazine.com/article/dish-du-jour
That is it! You can use any kind of kale you like and add more of any ingredients to taste!
That is it! You can use any kind of kale you like and add more of any ingredients to taste!
Hi Gale, where did the Supermodel Superfood salad recipe go? It's empty above . It was so good – want to make it again and make sure I get it right .
Thanks!
CKR, You’re so welcome! Here you go: http://skinnyms.com/supermodel-superfood-salad/