Tuscan Kale & Strawberry Salad

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Mr. Dreamy is growing kale in his garden this year -- not just ordinary kale, but Tuscan kale.

Other names this variety of kale goes by are Lacinato Kale, Black Kale, Dinosaur Kale, & Palm Tree Kale -- but I like the sound of Tuscan Kale best.

Heads up, if you have tried kale and didn't like it or found it too bitter, this is the variety you are needing to try -- oh, so yummy!


So this morning Mr. D. brought me in a bunch - with a few strawberries from the strawberry patch. After a moment of consideration, this salad took quick shape.

Tuscan Kale & Strawberry Salad

1 bunch of Tuscan kale
1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 c Extra Virgin olive oil
5 drops liquid stevia or 1 tsp granulated sweetener
1/2 c sliced strawberries
1/2 small sweet onion, sliced thinly
1/4 c sliced almonds, toasted
Fresh cracked pepper and additional salt to taste

Toast almond slices and set aside. Wash kale and tear into bite-sized pieces, discarding stems. Spin dry*. Place in large mixing bowl. Sprinkle sea salt over the leaves. Squeeze the juice from half the lemon over the leaves and drizzle with a Tbsp or so of the olive oil. With your hands, massage leaves until the leaves are coated and softened, about 5 minutes. Dress with remaining olive oil mixed with sweetener. Add strawberries, onion slices, and almonds. Serves 4. Each serving 200 calories, 10.14g carbs, 2.4g fiber = 7.74g net carbs 

Pair this with some grilled chicken and you've the perfect summertime meal!

*I am washing and drying lots of salad greens from the garden this time of year -- forget salad spinners, I dry my greens using this technique and they store beautifully. Instead of a pillowcase, I use a flour sack towel that has had the sides closed up (like a sack) -- easy to wash and dry.