Chopped Kale Salad with Sesame Dressing

I remember in the 90s when kale became a popular salad choice. I was never a fan, and I certainly wouldn’t intentionally order kale salad in a restaurant. I changed my opinion when a friend made a salad with finely chopped kale that was tender and flavored with sesame oil dressing. That was the turning point for my disdain for kale salad. I’ve created this recipe with oranges, cashews, and dressing brimming with some of my favorite ingredients (I love sesame oil!). Be sure to chop the kale finely and give it a little massage before serving.

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Ingredients

Serves 4-6

Salad:

• 1 bunch Kale, chopped to make 6 cups (stems and tough center veins removed)

• 1/2 cup toasted cashews

• 1 orange, peeled and segmented

• 2 scallions, chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Process

Dressing:

 To make dressing, put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Salad:

In a large bowl, add the kale and pour dressing over in small amounts, making sure to not add too much. “Massage” the dressing into the greens with tongs or your hands to tenderize the kale. Add remaining salad ingredients and serve.