Sweet and Tender Kale Salad with Pistachios

I’ll be the first to admit, I haven’t always been a salad lover. Growing up, I feel like iceberg lettuce and shredded carrots were the standard when you would order a salad at a restaurant and kale was only used as a garnish, ha!

Thankfully, times have changed. 😉

As a busy mom of two young kids (phew, I’m tired just typing that!), the curly kale is a key ingredient in this salad because it doesn’t get soggy quickly…even with the dressing on it. So I like to make a big batch of this salad on the weekend and serve it with my lunch two to three times throughout the week.

The whole, nourishing, and yet easily accessible ingredients make this dish an energizing, yet low-carb option for anyone.

Feel free to serve it as a side or turn it into an entree salad by adding some slices of avocado, another protein source, and a serving of your favorite high fiber carb. (baked sweet potato, organic whole wheat bread, 1/2 cup quinoa, etc.)

My hope is that this salad may help you see kale in a different light and recognize the versatility it has…not just as a garnish, but as the highlight of your meal!

Sweet and Tender Kale Salad with Pistachios

SERVES 4 (1½ CUPS EACH) 

• 1 bunch curly kale 
• Juice of ½ lemon 
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
• ½ cup chopped Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Lightly Salted
• ½ cup pomegranate arils 
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 
• Pinch salt 
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper 

Instructions

1. Wash the kale, remove the stems, and tear the leaves into small pieces. Dry the kale thoroughly and put it in a large bowl. 
2. Add the lemon juice and olive oil. Massage the oil and juice into the kale until all the leaves are well coated. 
3. Place a small skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the pistachios, tossing them often, for 3 to 4 minutes. 
4. Add the pistachios, pomegranate arils, and goat cheese to the kale. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Lightly toss to combine all the ingredients. 

If you are looking for more diabetes-friendly meal ideas, be sure to download my FREE 7 day diabetes meal plan by clicking here. It includes recipes, a grocery list, and meal-by-meal guide for the week.

Brought to you by Wonderful Pistachios.