Monday, December 7, 2009

Kale Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Kale Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

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


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.

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19 comments:

Mary Bergfeld said...

I'm going to have to give this one a try. It really sounds different and delicious.

Diana said...

Oh my gosh - I totally need to try this!!! You know I love my M Cafe de Chaya! :)

Erica said...

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

Sippity Sup said...

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

Jenn said...

A salad is what I need right about now. Yummy!!!!!!!

Kelly said...

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.

vanillasugarblog said...

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!

Esi said...

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!!

Unknown said...

i thought this looked familiar :) (saw it on the kitch'n). and i know i have to try it!!

Maria said...

A great way to enjoy kale!

Reeni said...

I really love kale but eat it the same of two different ways almost every time. This looks delicious with the spicy dressing!

Sharon said...

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.

Simones Kitchen said...

That is certainly a much healthier looking kale then what we usually have here... :) Love the look of this and it does sound delicious!

Anonymous said...

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.

we are never full said...

whoa - loving the look of this. i can almost taste the tang and spice as i look at the recipe!

Beatrice said...

I've tried kale salad before, but never with peanut dressing -- this sounds great.

LetMeEatCake Eat With Me! said...

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 =)

Teresa said...

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?

Esi said...

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.