Want to know how to make kale sexy and jaw-droppingly tasty? A dark leafy green, kale is packed with nutrients but not the easiest to make exciting. Most recipes ask you to boil or sauté the kale until it gives in, turning the tough leafs and stems into softer but often over-cooked mash. But, it doesn’t have to be prepared that way.
Let me introduce you to a raw kale salad that will change every way you think about kale from Esalen a legendary workshop and retreat center in Big Sur, California. In addition to having stunning hot tubs set above the Pacific Coast, Esalen has their own gardens and the food there is nothing short of amazing.
This kale salad was my favorite dish on their menu—and featured in the Esalen Cookbook.
The simple kale salad dressing features three key ingredients: tamari soy sauce, lemon juice and olive oil. This dressing marinates the kale and breaks down the tough and slightly bitter vegetable. Like lemon juice in ceviche the dressing transforms the kale almost like cooking while maintaining the crunchy integrity of the leaves. Toasted sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds give the salad additional texture and crunch, while only taking fifteen minutes to prepare.
P.S. Sesame seeds are actually a spice, when toasted they give off a buttery, and nutty flavor.
15 Comments
“Wow! This salad is amazing. I had no idea raw kale could be so delicious!”
—Emily, over 3 years ago
“Love how made something as healthy as kale come to life with a few simple ingredients.”
—Ravit, over 3 years ago
“Can I just say- I'm ADDICTED to this salad! Thanks for putting it up! I tried it last night for the first time and can't wait to go get more kale today.
Modifications: I didn't add most of the seeds for calorie reasons. I only added the toasted sesame and it tasted delish. I also didn't have red onion so I used shallots. ”
—Kathleen, over 3 years ago
“Delicious dressing! We tried it with a mix of greens- kale, chard, mustard, collards- and I think sticking with good ole kale is best. Be sure not to mix on the nuts if you plan to store the leftovers at all. ”
—Jeff, over 3 years ago
“Just served this for a dinner party to rave reviews. I think I'll add a little sweetness to it next time though to balance the salt - possibly some agave? ”
—Sara, over 3 years ago
“My local health food store has a variation of this salad...and this recipe is darn close. I've also discovered a recipe that sautes the red onion in sesame oil for just a few minutes. For those of you that think raw kale is too much, it helps wilt the kale a bit and i don't think it compromises the nutrition greatly.”
—Shannon, over 3 years ago
“YUM! I made this recipe before at my friend's using her Esalen cookbook, and was so happy to find it online today! Thanks for posting... time for dinner :)”
—Holly, over 3 years ago
“It sounds delicious. However, will the sauce neutralise the oxalit acid which may challenge thyroid?
I wonder adding some seaweed will solve this problem.
Aysegul”
—Aysegul Onat, over 3 years ago
“wow! a total of 1 cup dressing to serve 8 people! and 1 pound of kale?, 3/4 cups seed,for a salad? I think your ratios are off...”
—cecil, over 2 years ago
“I'm so happy I found this recipe! I still dream about the Kale salad I ate at Esalen a couple years ago...it was sooo bomb!”
—jasmine, over 2 years ago
“Cecil, the measurements are right. Remember the kale you're preparing will be de-stemmed, so you're just julienning the leaves.
Variation: I wanted to balance with a softer texture and sweeter flavor. I added craisens and chopped fresh figs. Guests at the potluck couldn't guess the dressing. But had thirds!”
—H, over 2 years ago
“Wonderful! We've made a few adjustments: roasted sesame oil instead of the evoo; a few handfuls of arugla in place of the two types of sprouts; no avocado. Awesome! ”
—Bob & Chris, about 1 year ago
“I like to toss the sliced kale with the Bragg Liquid Aminos and nuke it in the microwave for 1 minute before combining with the rest of the ingredients. -- And, our local health-grocery (based in Santa Cruz) calls its version without avocado or sprouts their Coastal Kale Salad. It flies off their chilled shelf. ”
—Shauna , about 1 year ago
“It was absolutely delicious! ”
—Sophie, about 1 year ago
“I used tender organic baby kale and Bragg's Liquid Aminos - the salad was absolutely amazing!”
—Beatrix, about 1 year ago