Keeping up with the Kale Fad

 7/2/14

     If you're looking for a healthy, bright, and fruity salad, you need to try this one! I was never originally a fan of kale because of it's bitter taste, however, when you pair it with fruit and a sweet dressing it works perfectly. I also love kale because it has a crunchy texture and can hold dressing without wilting quickly. If you're wanting to add kale to your diet for health benefits, kale is packed with Vitamin K, antioxidants, iron, and inflammatory properties to boost your immune system and keep you healthy! Whip this salad up for your next BBQ party with friends and everyone will love that you brought a delicious AND healthy dish =).

Chopped Kale and Fruit Salad

Ingredients:
1 Bunch Kale
1 Bag Broccoli Slaw
1 Red Onion
1 1/2 Cups Shelled Edamame
2 1/2 Cups Red Grapes
1 Large Fuji Apple
1 1/2 Cups Pasta (Your Choice)
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Sliced Sugar Coated Almonds
2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
6 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Sugar
1/4 Cup Goat Cheese (Optional)







Directions:

1. Begin by cooking your pasta to the directions on the package. I happened to use orzo pasta in my salad because that is the only kind I had at home. However, I would have preferred to use a noodle like cavatappi, rotini, or a type of spiral shape. Once your pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside.

2. Chop up kale, onion, grapes (halved), and apple.

3. Add chopped ingredients into a bowl with the remaining broccoli slaw, edamame, pasta, cranberries, lemon juice, and sugar coated almonds.

4. To make the dressing, add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and sugar to a bowl. Whisk everything together and slowly pour over the salad to incorporate all of the ingredients. Make sure to taste your dressing and adjust it accordingly! If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a more acidic taste, add more red wine vinegar.

5. If you feel like getting even fancier, you can a topping of crumbled goat cheese. Voila!