MISO MAPLE ORANGE KALE SALAD

I only began massaging my kale about a year ago; (maybe it’s a personal issue)! Raw kale isn’t very forgiving and I don’t like to load my salads with a ton of dressing, even if it is oil-free. Plain balsamic is always nice to massage into kale pieces, but when I saw this combo of flavors, I flipped. I love miso. I love oranges and I love the sweetness of maple syrup…big win!

This is an easy salad to make ahead, make lots and wow your family and friends with these fresh flavors.

Prep time: less than 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • One bunch kale of your choice
  • 1/2 cup light or chickpea (as opposed to dark) miso
  • 1/3 cup orange juice (use the real stuff, please)
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced finely or grated
  • 1 Tbls. maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup raisins (any kind, or cranberries or currants)
  • 1/2 cup sliced and toasted almonds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Strip kale leaves from stalks and chop or tear into bite sized pieces and place in large bowl.
  2. Mix the miso, orange juice, maple syrup and garlic in a blender or whisk it thoroughly until it’s all blended and creamy.
  3. Pour half of the dressing on the kale and massage vigorously for at least 2 minutes. Use more dressing if needed.
  4. Throw in the raisins, pour the rest of the dressing on and mix in.
  5. Top the salad with sliced, toasted almonds.

The salad can be eaten immediately, but it’s also really good after sitting in the fridge for about an hour.