salad

In the Kitchen – Kale Salad

The other day… I found the Gelson’s Kale Salad recipe on Pinterest and was inspired to make something similar for lunch… I’m not always a huge fan of raw kale – without a tangy enough dressing… it can taste like green dirt. So the version I concocted below is heavier lemon + vinegar than usual.

Kale Salad

1 bunch Kale

1-2 Carrots – julienned

1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds

2 oz. Goat Cheese (optional)

Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette 

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Coarse Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper & salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl whisk together garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil until emulsified.

 

Anyone tried making Kale Chips? We’re sort of on a Kale Kick over here…

 

 

In the Kitchen: Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

This salad serves well on any occasion. Substantial enough to be a main course, Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo makes a perfect luncheon or shower salad.

Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

Serves 4-6

4 Cups Spinach leaves thinly chopped

3 Cups Cooked Orzo, chilled

2 Cups Roasted Chicken Breast,  cubed

1/4 Cup Chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes

1/4 Cup Pine Nuts

1/4 Cup Sliced Black Olives

2-4 Tbsp Brianne’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette

Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

 

Cook Orzo in salted water 8-10 minutes (or per instructions). Refrigerate to cool.

Chiffonade spinach leaves. Mix spinach, chicken, and chilled orzo with olives + sundried tomatoes.

Toss in Pine nuts.

Dress + Serve

 

Note: Cut back on the dressing for a healthier alternative – it’s just as tasty! This salad, unlike many others, keeps well dressed for a few days.

Brianna’s Home Style Blush Wine Vinaigrette

Image From Here

 

Just in case you were considering using another dressing and were needing some more justification. (I know how it is… not wanting to add another bottle to your precious refrigerator space.) It’s also delicious in a simple cucumber + red onion salad.