By PCG

A Salad a Day Keeps the Doctor Away…or something like that.

When I worked for NorthStar Partnering Group (now Field Agent) they had an amazing perk for employees – a stocked kitchen and a ridiculously affordable meal plan. At least once a week Nancy Ho would come in and make a salad for the office. That’s when I learned that just about anything can go into a salad and be delish! Dried fruit trail mix, sure! Sliced deli cheese, why not?! Nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies…you name it! Nancy has probably put it into a salad. And one other thing I learned from Nancy – you have to pre-mix the dressing onto the salad. I know, I know.  The calories!  I’m just telling you, you’ll actually use LESS dressing if you dress your salad before serving it versus using that fork dipping trick. I promise. Please try it.

Nancy & Henry Ho.

This is one of my favorite salads: DALS Shredded Kale Avocado Salad. I forgot the scallions (which really are great) and added toasted pine nuts, salt and pepper.

What’s great about this salad is that you really need to prepare it and mix the olive oil and lemon with the kale at least an hour before serving – so it’s perfect for a dinner party because you can do it before anyone arrives! Kale leaves are more hearty and don’t wilt with some time spent in dressing. You can even save the left overs and have them the next day – really! No soggy lettuce here.

Tips & Tricks

Bundled kale from ONF is the best route. But if you’re in a pinch you can use the boxed baby kale and just take your kitchen scissors to them in the bowl.

You HAVE to cut the kale into thin slices, almost like little ribbons. “Chiffonade” if you’re fancy.

 When you’re in a pinch.

And people, make sure you wash your produce. Just think about how many strangers have touched your food before it gets to you! I use Fit and a salad spinner.

Toasted pine nuts – or any nuts for that matter. Just toss them into a dry pan (no oil) and let them toast for 4-5 minutes on medium low heat, but keep an eye on them because they burn easily!

Here are a couple other favorite salads:

Smitten Kitchen Avocado & Cucumber Salad

DALS Cherry Tomato & Edamame Salad

Pioneer Woman Salad Dressing (seriously no need to buy salad dressing ever again)

Healthy and tasty!

This wine would go perfect with the salad. Thanks Jenni Swain for introducing me to French rosé!