Did you know that today is the Queen of Greens (a.k.a. kale) Day?
I didn't... until I opened the Facebook and there it was - The National Kale Day! Even more, it's Inaugural Kale Day, and one more reason to celebrate. As a big kale lover I couldn't ignore it.
I love kale in any form (except overcooked) and shape. I was chewing on my kale chips when I learned about the kale day. Every day is a kale day in this family. Some like it more (me), some eat it in salads without even noticing that it's a kale salad (my husband), and some don't care much about green leaves at all but eat it hidden in their foods (my kids). Kale salads, kale smoothies, kale micro greens, baby kale, kale soups, kale burger, and many other kale meals are made in my kitchen on a regular basis at any given season. When I started my blog I dedicated Tuesday to all things kale, and called it Kale Tuesdays. That's how much I love kale! I also love bitter melon (speaking of my taste!) but that's another story. :)
This time of the year, when warm days are rare and sun is behind clouds most of the time in rainy Seattle, we like to make warm salads, and kale is one of the best greens for that as it keeps it's crunchiness and shape. Oh, and delicious too!
Warm Kale and Roasted Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bunch kale (or two generous handfuls of baby kale)
- 1 avocado
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt to taste
If using kale leaves, tear it off a stem and into a bite size pieces. Wash, and dry it in a salad spinner or pat dry it with a towel.
Wash, cut, pit and mash an avocado. Mix it with a lemon juice.
Place the kale leaves in a large bowl, and gently massage the avocado mash into the kale leaves. Set aside.
Mix corn with a smoked paprika, olive oil and liquid smoke, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and place it on a baking sheet. Turn your oven to a broil and place the baking sheet with corn on a top rack. Broil for 5 to 8 minutes (until corn has some chars on it).
Immediately stir the broiled corn in the kale-avocado mix, toss it well with red pepper flakes and lemon zest, and add salt to your taste.
This salad is often our dinner, lunch, or snack. It's quick, easy and so good for you!
Also, from now on The National Kale Day will be celebrated every year on first Wednesday in October. Yey to Kale!
Are you on a Team Kale?
What is your favorite kale dish?
See you,
Marina
Love love your salad:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim! :)
DeleteThat is an amazing recipe! I enjoy cooked kale. It was nice growing russian kale in the front yard. So prolific.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am good at growing kale micro greens. Some day when I have my own garden I'd like to grow different varieties of kale. Thanks for visiting my blog! :)
DeleteHappy Kale day! I stopped off at a little organic grocery store and they had just received their fresh stock so I am all ready to make this little powerhouse salad. I think the added sweetness from the roasted corn is really nice. Missed you and glad to see you back. Take Care, BAM
ReplyDeleteThank you! I missed you too. Often was thinking of you and your teenagers. By the way, this salad my teenager approved. Asked me to make him another batch! I was shocked (when he ever asked for more salad?!)
DeleteHow gorgeous is this?!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHehe I had no idea that they had a national kale day! But it's a healthy one so that's good! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, it was the first one, and I didn't know about it either. I guess a little dose of healthinest wouldn't hurt. ;)
DeleteI too had no idea there is a National Kale Day, thanks for bringing me up to speed. I have kale growing in my garden, just need to pick up the other ingredients and I am good to go. Leaving out the liquid smoke, can't stand it, sorry.
ReplyDeleteAre you all settled in?
Hi Norma, I didn't know it either, and I don't think many people did. I have no garden at this time, but I dream to have one in near future. You can grill the corn, it's even better than liquid smoke. We are settling in somewhat. Trying to decide where do we want to buy a property. Kids go to college 40 miles from where my husband has a job. It's a bit challenging to come to an agreement. :)
DeleteNobody eats kale in our house-(( But it's ok we eat plenty of other vegetables-)) I was little sick this week, but I start feeling better now. Talk to you soon.
ReplyDeleteHugs Marinochka!
I've never tried kale, but I want to now! Beautiful dish of kale.
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you posting again, Marina, and what a way to start! This salad sounds fantastic! National Kale Day! Who knew? I'd better mark my calendar for next year. :)
ReplyDeleteMarina, I'm soo glad that you are back and that you blog again. I missed you a lot. And since I'm a big kale fan I'm also a huge fan of this warm salad. Oh so yum :-)
ReplyDeleteGosh, how did I miss national kale day?! Never knew it existed. ;-) But you celebrated for all of us - terrific salad! Good stuff - thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice idea to add Liquid Smoke and smoked paprika! I LOVE this seasoning along with kale and roasted corn! We love kale and I can't wait to try this one. I never know (or bother to check) special food day. I always get surprised each food has a day to celebrate. Really cute concept. :)
ReplyDeleteHeh, I had no idea there was such a thing as "kale day", but that's unsurprising since this is France and kale doesn't seem to exist to them. I'm never once seen it on sale, sadly, and I love the stuff :(
ReplyDeleteThe salad looks lovely Marina, though sadly I can but look - perhaps they'll sell it in Sweden when I move there and I can finally get to eating one of my favourite greens again!
Yum - so simple! Just what I want to eat for lunch.
ReplyDeleteMarina, I am *definitely* on Team Kale, and this salad looks wonderful! With the sweetness of the corn and avocado to complement the bite of the kale, fabulous! (PS Are you taking a break from blogging?)
ReplyDeleteWhether someone likes spicy or mild flavors, there are micro greens to match their tastes
ReplyDelete