A few months ago, I discovered a really awesome kale salad at Whole Foods courtesy of M Cafe de Chaya. It was so good, I was literally having it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I never really thought to try and recreate it on my own until I came across this recipe on The Kitchn. Post-Thanksgiving I was really in the mood for simple, fresh food. I didn't over indulge this year, but I still wanted something light after a day of traveling. This salad is really close to that Chaya version and doesn't weigh you down. The only thing is that I wish I had more of the dressing to really coat everything. If you make this, I strongly suggest that you double the recipe for the dressing. I gobbled this just as willingly and without shame as the Chaya version. It's such a great salad recipe, I will probably be having this at least once a week while kale is in season.
Kale Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
(Adapted from The Kitchn)
Makes 2 large servings
1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale
1 large carrot, peeled
6 tablespoons roasted, salted peanuts, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons packed brown sugar, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Pinch red pepper flakes
Fold each leaf of kale in half lengthwise and slice out the center rib. Discard ribs. Roll a stack of the leaves up and slice in half lengthwise, then crosswise into very fine ribbons. Wash and rinse thoroughly in a salad spinner.
Slice the carrot very thin, either by creating curls with a peeler, or by running the halved carrot lengthwise down a mandoline. Toss with the kale and 3 tablespoons of the peanuts.
In a chopper or small food processor, briefly puree the remaining 3 tablespoons peanuts, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper flakes. Pulse it just a few times; the peanuts should be partially pureed, but with some nibs and nubs still left in the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
Toss the dressing with the slaw and let it sit for at least a few minutes before serving.
Printable Recipe
19 comments:
I'm going to have to give this one a try. It really sounds different and delicious.
Oh my gosh - I totally need to try this!!! You know I love my M Cafe de Chaya! :)
mmmmmmmmm simpler salads really are the best. I'm all for anything with a spicy peanut dressing. I need to try this right now! Thanks Esi! Hope you're having a good Monday
Kale is so green and healthy, so it's a pleasure to work with. I love The Kitchn! I will be doing a guest post there very soon so look for it. GREG
A salad is what I need right about now. Yummy!!!!!!!
I'm still learning to love Kale and this looks like a great recipe. I especially love the look of the whispy curls of carrot.
when kale is done right it is addicting I agree. never ever thought to use it with spicy peanut sauce and what's funny is you know how much I love peanut sauce. wonderful idea chicklet!
Diana, I know you love your M Cafe :)
Erica, Monday is starting off alright..let's see how the week goes :)
Greg, so cool about your guest post! That is one of my favorite sites.
Kelly, I really love kale, but for me it is best in these simple salads.
Dawn, you and your sauces. You should definitely double the amount!!
i thought this looked familiar :) (saw it on the kitch'n). and i know i have to try it!!
A great way to enjoy kale!
I really love kale but eat it the same of two different ways almost every time. This looks delicious with the spicy dressing!
I usually just saute kale in a little olive oil, salt & garlic which is delicious but I need to try something new! This looks amazing.
That is certainly a much healthier looking kale then what we usually have here... :) Love the look of this and it does sound delicious!
This sounds yummy but I must admit that I've never eaten raw kale before. Must be because growing up in the south mom always cooked it so I always cook it. I will try out your recipe. Thank you.
whoa - loving the look of this. i can almost taste the tang and spice as i look at the recipe!
I've tried kale salad before, but never with peanut dressing -- this sounds great.
i have to say i finally tried Kale because of all your kale talk these days! loved it! it was a salad with kale romaine beets and feta =)
This dressing looks so yummy! I currently have an abundance of peanut butter in the pantry, think there is a way to replicate the sauce using peanut butter instead of the actual peanuts?
Teresa, you can definitely sub peanut butter. It will be a different consistency, so you may want to thin it out with more vinegar and of course taste as you go to make sure it is what you like.
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