Trader Kale Salad is a tasty combination of fresh kale, fruit, nuts, and toasted coconut. It's a wonderful salad for lunch or dinner. It gets its named after Trader Joe's market. This grocery chain is a place I love to shop. Unfortunately, I don't have one near me, so every so often I'll make a little road trip. Sounds funny I know, but what can I say? I love good food! Many of the ingredients (dried cherries and toasted coconut chips) are staples that I pick up when I'm there.
On one of my trips to Trader Joe's, I discovered their Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar. The label suggested using the vinegar to dress a salad, add tang to a salsa, as a spritzer, and a marinade. Being one to try new things, I tried it and now it's something I stock up on. This dressing is a nice balance between sweet and tart.
I've written before about massaging your kale for a salad, Playing with your food: Massaged Kale Salad. Massaging the kale, breaks down the fibrous tissue that gives kale its bitter taste. If you haven't tried it yet, here's another chance. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, substitute orange juice and champagne vinegar for the TJ brand Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar. I included measurements amounts in the recipe for you.
Trader Salad: Kale Salad with Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale, stems removed and leaves torn into smaller pieces
- 1 orange- peeled, segmented, and cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
- 1 handful roasted coconut strips
- 1 avocado, peeled, pit removed, and cut up
- 1/4 cup toasted pepito/pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar or 1 1/2 Tablespoons Champagne Vinegar and 1 teaspoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
- Place kale leaves in a large bowl. Add olive oil and vinegar (and orange juice if using). Work the dressing in and massage the kale until the leaves have changed in texture, about a minute.
- Place other ingredients in bowl and toss to combine.
- Plate salad and enjoy!
This sounds good. I need to find a Trader Joe’s ~ or maybe not as I would spend to much time and money there. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Thanks for hosting Marlys. You should be able to substitute the TJ vinegar for champagne vinegar and a little orange juice.
Great combo thanks for sharing at Foodie Friends Friday!
Thanks for hosting Cindy