Sesame Kale Salad

I am happy to see August go. There were so many ups and downs... The sale on our house (& plan to move into a new one) which we lost when our buyer backed out. A week spent at the beach! The baby's christening, in which family and friends came from near and far to celebrate! Starting back to work part-time at home, and having to replace a broken computer on day three. Our 5-year wedding anniversary! My husband being out of town twice on business—the latest, that sent him away just before the hurricane that hit Massachusetts on Sunday...

But a storm like that, makes you count your blessings. I was fortunate enough to "camp out" at my parents house for two days with the baby and dog. We were well taken care of, and returned home to power, no water damage, and only a few small trees that fell away from the house.

All in all, not a dull month. But despite all the drama, I have been cooking quite a bit. I spend a lot of time online, so I tend to cook from blogs, rather than the stacks of cookbooks in my bookcase (that doesn't keep me from buying new ones though!). I have a list of favorites here, but this month's highlights included Eggplant Pizza (with my new favorite pizza crust—perfectly crunchy), Zucchini Strings and a refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Cooler.

And then there is this kale salad... It started out as way to "use up" 5 weeks of uninspired kale from my CSA, and turned into a salad that I would seek kale out for again. I love it when that happens. Glad I can end this month on an up!

Sesame Kale Salad
serves 4 as a side

1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves sliced in thin strips (about 4 c, packed)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 t minced fresh ginger
3 T rice vinegar
1 T olive oil
1 T toasted sesame oil
1 T soy sauce
2 T minced red onion
1 carrot, shredded
1 T sesame seeds, toasted
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)

In a large bowl, add the kale, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil and soy sauce. With your hands, massage the kale leaves, for 1-2 minutes, until the ingredients are well mixed. Add the red onion, carrot and sesame seeds, tossing well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let sit at least 20 minutes. If desired, garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Comments

[nicole @cookingafterfive]

I love the idea of this salad--What a great way to use kale. Will definitely have to try this soon! Sounds like quite a summer for you all. Hopefully things can calm down a bit this fall!

[Maria @ Orchard Bloom]

Glad to hear that you weren't too affected by Irene. This salad sounds interesting. I've never eaten raw kale before but I might just try it now.

[cookie and kate]

Your kale salad looks so good, Erin! It's actually really similar to the kale salad I posted this week... We must be on the same wavelength. :)

[El]

That sounds like quite a month. Glad things are settling down and hope that Sept is better for you. Lovely salad. I never know what to do with kale so this is perfect!

[Leanne]

This sounds incredible! I love the idea of ginger and sesame with kale, and this sounds like something I can pull off the week we move. Hope September is smooth sailing for y'all!

[Coco]

Well you certainly have been a busy lady and I am sorry to hear about your house but the right buyer is out there!! I have had a kale salad once and it was so delicious and tender, thank you for the reminder to try it again!

[molly]

yes! i've been a raw kale salad skeptic for years, until i ate one on vacation earlier this summer. it was AMAZING. i've been searching for a version with flavors tilted this direction. thanks for this. (and fingers crossed for a new buyer!)

[Ashley]

I'm happy to hear your house didn't suffer any damage! I wish I had tons of kale to make this salad for lunch. I've made a similar salad, but without the onion and carrot which sound like great additions.

[Laura]

So glad this salad recipe just dropped into my lap. I still have a garden full of kale that needs to be eaten up. And with sesame oil! One of my fave ingredients num num.

[christine]

this is one of my new favourite salads. I love the fresh taste and smell of raw lacinato kale.
quick question: what is the font name of the words "by season", "by category", etc. on the side? It's super cute!

[Erin]

Glad you enjoyed Christine! The font is Pacifico.

[Sabrina]

Ciao Erin, I've just seen the Christening photo and I think that your baby is amazingly cute and very elegant too! Well, I've already told you that you are a great cook, but now I must say that the baby's photo is the most beautiful photo of your blog! :)) It's been a long time since I last wrote, sorry ( furthermore I must admit that it takes me a while to write a comment in decent English!). I've been very busy over the past months working and studying all day...I wish I could cook more especially now that I see all the beautiful recipes you prepared! It was nice visiting your blog again, ciao Sabrina

[mayra]

oh)) yesterday I cooked chicken with sesame - yammy)))

[Sharyn Dimmick]

I just may try this with my next bunch of kale -- I have all of the ingredients. Thanks.

[Wendy]

Thanks for sharing.I will definitely try this.

[Leigh]

We have had this salad two nights in a row now, and we can't get enough. On the fist night we had it with 5 spice poached chicken, and last night with maple, dijon and panko crusted salmon. My husband asked me what I called it so he would know what to say when requesting it for dinner in the future.

[Dana]

Made this today... LOVED it! Thanks!!