Kale Salad with Lemon Thyme Pesto Vinaigrette

The flavor combination of this Italian inspired salad is phenomenal! The sun-dried tomatoes work well with the lemon thyme pesto vinaigrette and the veggies add a great crunchy texture.

Robby went back to work last week, which would have been hard after spending a whole month together; however, Beto and Paloma stayed with us the whole week while Jill was in Korea. We had a few beach days and a lot of relaxing time. Paloma wanted to stay for Robby’s birthday which ended up being a really fun day! We went downtown and picked up a pink Santa Cruz sweatshirt for Paloma, then we went to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk where Paloma had so much fun on the rides. Although, she did not like the rollercoaster. She said I don’t want to go on one ever again. Awwww. To top off the day, we went to the “West End Tap and Kitchen” for a great dinner as usual! After they left, Robby and I assumed our normal routine and tomorrow is the first day I’ll have to myself in a long time and I’m kind of excited about it! And this salad is a perfect way to start my routine!

This salad goes great with any white wine! I enjoy it with a glass of Suave.

Recipe: Approx. 4 – 6 servings

• 1 Head Kale – thinly chopped
• 1/2 Fennel – cut in half and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 Cups Watermelon Radish – sliced and quartered
• 1 Cup Red Cabbage – sliced – diced – or minced
• 1/4 Cup Dry Sun-Dried Tomatoes (not packed in oil) – homemade or store-bought – minced
• 1/2 Cup Pecorino Cheese – finely shredded – or to taste
• 1 Cup Lemon Thyme Pesto Vinaigrette (or the whole recipe)

Garnish options:

• Micro greens,
• Toasted almonds
• Finely shredded Pecorino Cheese

Instructions: If you are making your own sun dried tomatoes, you will need to make them the day before. Mince and set aside the sun dried tomatoes. Make the vinaigrette. Set aside. Wash the kale, remove the main rib by holding the end of the steam and pull down with your other hand then discard the main rib. Chop the kale into thin strips. Add to a large bowl. Cut stocks off the fennel bulb, cut bulb in half, then cut out the core of one half. Slice the half in half, and then slice as thin as you can or use a mandolin. Add to the kale. Slice the radishes as thin as you can or use a mandolin. Cut the slices into quarters and add to kale. Thinly slice the cabbage and add to kale along with the vinaigrette. Mix really well. Garnish with micro greens, toasted almonds and pecorino. (optional)

Health benefits: Kale is low in calories, high in fiber and it is a loaded with antioxidants which helps detox the liver. It is also an anti-inflammatory with omega-3 fatty acids, which is helpful for arthritis, joint pain and asthma. Kale has more Iron than beef and more calcium than milk which helps prevents osteoporosis, joint flexibility and helps maintain normal bone health. It is great for cardiovascular support that helps in lowering cholesterol. It is really high in vitamin A, C, and super high in the powerful antioxidant vitamin K (anyone taking anticoagulants should avoid kale because the high level of vitamin K that may interfere with the drugs.)

Radishes help eliminate excess mucus in the body and are great for respiratory disorders, bronchitis and asthma. They are cleansing for the digestive system helping to break down and eliminate stagnant food and toxins that have built up over time as well as eliminate cancer-causing free radicals in the body. They are very high in vitamin C, which improves your immune system.They have a low glycemic index and helps to regulate the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, which is great for diabetics. Radishes water content keep your body and skin keep hydrated and with their high fiber content they increase regular bowel movements, relieve bloating and help indigestion. They are a powerful detoxifier of the liver and stomach. They are also great for reducing blood pressure with the high potassium content.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes are very high in anti-oxidants; just one cup has 23 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 16 percent of vitamin A. The Vitamin C in dried tomatoes helps your body absorb the high iron content as well. They are high in potassium which helps prevent and lower high blood pressure. These tomatoes are very high in dietary fiber compared to raw tomatoes.

Lemon Thyme has anti-aging properties and boosts the immune system. It helps fight asthma, promotes relaxation, and helps digestion. Lemon thyme is high in iron and an excellent source of vitamin C.