Healthy Raw Kale Salad

I've been doing this thing lately where I make a big batch of this healthy kale salad and keep it in the fridge for lunches and to have on hand as a quick side to weekday dinners. And it turns out my boyfriend really likes it. So, it's a win-win in our house.


It's a healthy combination of raw kale, carrots and red cabbage and keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. The salad tastes great with grilled salmon or tuna and corn on the cob. It's one of those salads that makes you feel good about yourself after just a few mouthfuls because it's so good and healthy - and makes you want to congratulate yourself for making such a healthy choice. And you should.

I've also been going to the gym a little more regularly and trying to get in some kind of exercise on days that I don't. Like walking or cycling somewhere I might otherwise drive to. What this all adds up to is a slightly healthier lifestyle that I feel good about. One of things I've been thinking about but haven't done yet is buying a pedometer to see how much I walk on an average day. I think it would be a good exercise to do a check in with myself. Should I be walking more?


In the meantime, here's the recipe.


Healthy Raw Kale Salad
Adapted from Planet Organic's Hail-to-the-Kale recipe

Ingredients
1 bunch kale, chopped somewhat finely
2 carrots, grated
1/4 of a red cabbage, thinly sliced with a mandolin if you have one
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos or natural soy sauce (found in health food stores)
1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
dash oregano

Directions
Wash kale and chop finely.

In a cast iron skillet over medium to high heat, stir sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Remove from heat when they’re toasted golden brown. While the skillet is hot, add in a few drops of soy sauce, which will sear onto the seeds. Remove and let cool.

In a large bowl combine chopped kale, carrots, cabbage and seeds. Set aside.

In a small bowl whisk together oil, Bragg Liquid Aminos, balsamic vinegar and oregano and pour over kale mixture. Toss until evenly coated and chill 2 hours before serving.

You might also like:

Sesame Kale Salad
Steamed kale with lots of toasted sesame seed flavour. So good, you'll eat a whole bunch (of kale).

Kale Chips
Thin bites of crispy baked kale.

Bulgar Salad with Kale, Salami and Olives
A great side dish to make for dinner or enjoy it on its own for lunch. Tastes good served warm or cold.