Jorge and I just got back from a spectacular trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks again for all of the recommendations. Throughout the trip, we had a number of crazy delicious meals including dinner at FIG and Husk, and some damn good soul food at Martha Lou’s Kitchen.
After a vacation where I practically ate my weight in butter and fried chicken, the first thing I was craving when I get back home to California was this Raw Kale Salad. Gnarled shreds of lacinato kale are tossed in a bright dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. The salad then sits for 20 minutes, so the dressing can break down the fibrous texture of the kale. Finished with a drizzle of EVOO, a dusting of Parmesan, and several grinds of black pepper, this simple salad is healthy, hearty, and packed with incredible flavor. The first bite will literally smack your taste buds. Continue reading for the recipe.
I’ll have to tell you that this Raw Kale Salad recipe is not just good for a post-vacation purge. I like to prepare this salad at least once a week. 95% of the ingredients are usually in my pantry and fridge already, leaving just a last minute stop for a bunch of kale.
Raw Kale Salad can also be prepared several hours in advance. I’ve even enjoyed it the next day! So don’t throw out any leftovers 😉
Raw Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale (any type works here), rinsed and thoroughly dried
- 1/2 garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Remove the stem from each kale leaf and discard. Thinly slice kale leaves, and place in a large bowl.
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Place 1/2 garlic clove and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small pestle and mortar, and crush into a paste. If you don't have a pestle and mortar, you can mince the garlic and salt together on a cutting board. Then, using the side of your knife, mash the garlic and salt until it turns into a paste. Transfer garlic paste to a small bowl, and add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flake, a pinch of kosher salt, and several turns of black pepper, whisking to combine.
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Drizzle dressing over the sliced kale leaves, then work the dressing into the kale using your hands/fingers (also known as massaging the kale). Let the salad sit a room temperature for 20 minutes. Season to taste with additional kosher salt if needed. To serve, divide salad between four salad plates, and top each with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and a few extra grinds of black pepper.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Thanks for sharing all your trip pics! Wow that is so awesome (must have taken you a ton of time) but so appreciated! And kale, can never go wrong!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks again Averie :)!
Barbara says
That trip looks like so much fun! I love this kale salad too. Simple to really make the kale step forward and be the star.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Barbara! It was -such- a fun trip!
Jenny (VintageSugarcube) says
I soooo enjoyed living vicariously through you during your travels. I need to know how you stay so svelte and snappy eating all those goodies! Maybe it’s the Kale Salad? I must make it. XXOO
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, thanks Jenny! Yeah, usually I eat small portions. Jorge will finish what’s leftover 😉 And then a kale detox once I get home!
Debra says
Thanks for sharing your vacay with us. I usually crave fresh and raw ingredients after a binge eating vacation, too.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Debra!
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says
Amazing pictures from your trip and I like your tip about letting the kale sit in the dressing for 20 minutes to soften. Usually we go the massaging route to break down the fibers but rubbing every leaf of kale is more labor intensive than just letting it sit there 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Haha yes, I guess it’s the lazy mans Kale Salad 😉 And I’m totally fine with that!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Amazing trip!! Love the thumbnails. Can’t go wrong with delicious raw kale salad 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Kiran!
Lizthechef says
I’m off for a reunion with “little girl” friends next week. We will be on Kiawah but plan to revisit Charleston. Your post really got me excited to go –
Puja @ Indiaphile.info says
I love raw kale salads. Yours looks especially delicious! I love your pictures too!
See you next weekend! 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Puja!! Yes, looking forward to the BTP 🙂
Sam says
I love this recipe — it’s one of my favorite salads and I make it regularly.
Thanks for posting the recipe!