Beet, Kale and Jasmine Rice Salad with Cider Dressing

What is Kale?

With rigid, crunchy leaves, kale is a hearty leafy green that is a welcome addition to a salad. That being said, there are a couple of steps that should be taken to get the delicious dish you’re craving.

The acid from the apple cider vinegar will soften the leaves; however, no matter which variety you select, you’ll want to chop off the stems – they are just a little too tough to enjoy. Be sure to thinly shred the leaves – you want to get a bite with all those tasty ingredients, not just kale. Another crucial way to get kale just right is by massaging the leaves – this will break down those tough fibers.

4 Different Types of Kale

Did you know there’s more than one kale variety? Let’s dig a bit deeper into their differences.

– Curly Kale: This variety is known as common kale for a reason – it can be found at the farmers market, your local grocery, and maybe even your garden. As it’s both earthy and peppery, it complements many flavors.

– Baby Kale: Although the taste and appearance is similar to the curly variety, baby kale has thinner leaves, so it doesn’t need a deep tissue massage. By skipping that step, you can cut down prep time; this Kale, Bean and Rice Soup is ready in just 20 minutes.

– Red Kale: Red Russian kale has – as the name suggests – red stems, is less curly, and boasts a sweeter flavor.

– Lacinato: This darker, slender leaf – known also as Tuscan or Dinosaur kale – is both more tender and more flavorful. It, too, requires some massaging; however, it may not be ideal for a salad as the flavor is quite strong. This is a great option for recipes that require cooking, like for these Kale Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms.

As dressing and tossing is generally done immediately before serving a salad, it may seem counterintuitive that kale salads are even more delicious if they have time to soak up those zesty flavors. In fact, it’s a great choice for meal prep; simply prepare this salad in advance – one less thing to worry about come mealtime! Need a new idea for dinner tonight? Try our: authentic Spanish rice recipe.