Delicious Kale Salad

    I know, I know....... it's the very last day of October and you've yet to find any recipes from The Italian Next Door in your inbox or when you've visited the blog this month.  Well, life got a little overwhelming in October.  We were away visiting family for a bit, my oldest son visited us for about a week after that (all the way from Seattle), and there were some family birthday celebrations to prepare for.  Now, don't get me wrong.....I love visiting and celebrating with family......I just found myself a little worn out.  But, I'm feeling better now so, to get the wheels turning again, I thought I'd share a quick and delicious recipe I saw Daphne Oz (of The Chew) make awhile back.  With the addition of dried currants, toasted pine nuts, and Romano cheese, it has the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy!  I LOVE this salad and have no problem eating large amounts of it, which is o.k. because it is sooo good for you!  I mean, everybody's talking about kale these days, right?  It's like a nutrition powerhouse!  If you don't believe me, visit here to read a list of The Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Kale.  Now, onto the recipe.........

Here's what you'll need to put this quick salad together:

King of Greens Salad

(serves 6)

1 large bunch kale

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1-2 lemons

1/3 cup dried currants (I also love golden raisins)

1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste

salt and pepper

The first thing to do, after washing the kale, is to remove the spines and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces.

Now, place the kale in a bowl, add the olive oil, and massage it together for about 2-3 minutes, with your hands, to break down the cell structure of the kale and soften it.  Or, you can snag a willing on-looker to do it for you, so you avoid getting your hands all oily.  As you can see, that's what I did.

Now, add the zest and juice of the 1-2 lemons, along with the rest of the ingredients, and toss it well.

All that's left to do is enjoy this delicious salad with absolutely no guilt!!
(I feel healthier already!)

For printable recipe, click here.