Greens & Seed Salad

Elevate your salad game with this delectable and nutritious Honeyed Seed Salad. Bursting with flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. With a zesty dressing and a medley of seeds, it’s a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying dish.

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For Dressing:

• 1½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated finely
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (for dressing)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for dressing)
• Salt, as required

For Seed Mixture:

• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon raw sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 teaspoons raw honey (for seed mixture)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for seed mixture)

For Salad:

• 5 ounces fresh baby kale
• 5 ounces collard greens, stems and ribs removed, thinly sliced leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

For Dressing:

1. In a bowl, combine finely grated fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon raw honey, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

For Seed Mixture:

1. In another bowl, mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of raw honey, remaining ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and water until well combined.
2. Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the raw sunflower seeds, raw sesame seeds, and raw pumpkin seeds. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until they start to toast.
3. Pour in the honey mixture and continue to cook, stirring continuously, for an additional 3 minutes until the seeds are well coated and slightly caramelized.
4. Transfer the seed mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and set it aside to cool completely.
5. Once cooled, break the seed mixture into small pieces.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, place the fresh baby kale and thinly sliced collard greens.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of the prepared dressing to the greens along with a pinch of salt. Toss to coat the greens evenly.
3. To ensure the dressing is well-distributed, use your hands to gently rub the greens for about 30 seconds.
4. Finally, pour the remaining dressing over the greens and toss again to ensure every leaf is coated with the flavorful dressing.
5. Serve your Honeyed Seed Salad with a generous garnishing of the seed mixture.

TIPS:

• Fresh Greens: Use fresh baby kale and collard greens for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to remove the stems and ribs from the collard greens and thinly slice the leaves.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: The toasted sesame oil adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dressing. Ensure you’re using toasted sesame oil for that extra depth of taste.
• Adjust Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, reduce it for a milder dressing.
• Seeds Crunch: Keep an eye on the seeds while toasting; they can burn quickly. Stir them continuously to ensure even toasting.
• Dressing Distribution: To evenly coat the greens, use your hands to rub the dressing into the leaves. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 181
• Fat: 14.8g
• Carbohydrates: 11.9g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 4.5g
• Protein: 3.2g

Indulge in this Honeyed Seed Salad as a light meal or a refreshing side dish. With its balanced blend of flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s a nutritious choice that’s as delicious as it is healthy. This salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, making it an ideal addition to your meal plan for a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.