Hummus and Kale Salad Recipe

Remember when everyone was in love with kale?? Well, honestly I did not jump on the bandwagon because I just didn't like it even though I wanted too. But I didn't like it raw, I didn't like it steamed, or stir-fried or baked.
And then the love fest with kale seemed to die down a bit.

Jim Gaffigan and kale:

Of course, that's when I finally found a kale dish I like, no, love.

One afternoon while walking on Granville Street and spending too much money and time shopping, I realized I was hungry. Hungry to the point of not caring what I ate. I grabbed a salad at a specialty grocery store without really looking.....turned out it was a hummus and kale salad.

Obviously, I didn't expect to like it but thought it would take care of my hunger and then figured I'd grab a coffee to cover the kale aftertaste. Except, I liked the salad. Mind blown. Today, I made my own simple version - chopped kale mixed with my favorite commercially made hummus. It's great on its own or with grilled chicken thrown in. Simple. Delicious.

PS - bonus -  kale is such a sturdy green that this salad will last 2 days in the fridge before it wilts!

Serves four as a side dish.

Ingredients

1 bunch green kale, chopped small
1 cup hummus
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the kale and hummus together.
Add red pepper and onions. Mix.

The Refresher Smoothie

I'm not a big fan of kale - unless it's in a smoothie. I thought the kale and strawberries would shine in this smoothie but I was wrong! The ginger is the star of the show here. Even though you don't use much its flavour and refreshing nature gets top billing.

Speaking of top billing, are you watching the Oscars tonight? I am but have to admit that I haven't watched many of the nominated shows this year (except the animation ones - thanks kids!). Oh well, my favorite part is the pre-show red carpet reports - who will be the best dressed?? My money is on Lupita Nyong'o!

Makes 2 smoothies.

Ingredients

handful of frozen sliced strawberries
1/2 ripe avocado
1 cup chopped frozen kale
1 inch piece of peeled ginger, chopped
2 tsp ginger syrup (optional)
1.5 cups low fat milk
water to cover (if needed)

Instructions

Blend everything in Nutribullet or blender until smooth and desired consistency is reached.

Other smoothies you should try:

Green Goodness

Avocado Strawberry Smoothie

Blueberry Mango Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Tofu Smoothie

Pomegranate and Kale Smoothie

Strawberry Muesli Smoothie

Detox Lemon Spinach Smoothie

Avocado Chocolate Smoothie
Strawberry Citrus Squeeze

Pomegranate and Kale Smoothie

So fresh and filling!

Happy New Year! I know lots of us will be trying to eat healthier in the coming year. And for those of you enjoy smoothies I'll be sharing a few of my favorites over the coming weeks.

This is a great smoothie to start your morning. The ground almonds give you a bit of protein and energy and the kale and cucumber give it a fresh twist. The almonds and seeds will prevent you from getting a totally smooth liquid consistency but that goes toward filling you up to start your day. My seven year old loved this smoothie thanks to to added juice - I think it made it just sweet enough for him to enjoy.

Ingredients

1/2 c pomegranate seeds
1 cup chopped kale
2 tbsp ground almonds
2 inch piece of cucumber - skin on
2 tsp ginger juice or freshly grated ginger
1/4 c apple juice
1/4 c orange juice
water to cover

Instructions

Place everything in nutribullet and add enough water just to cover the ingredients. Blend for 90 seconds. Makes enough for 2 large or 3 small portions.