Thai Kale Salad with Sesame Polenta Croutons

Thai Kale Salad with Sesame Polenta Croutons

We grow a LOT of kale at Tumbleweed Farm. Our CSA members can expect a bunch of kale weekly in their vegetable boxes and we always arrive at the famers markets armed with a ton of this lovely brassica. We have no problem eating kale every single day. However, I think some people might get a little tired of preparing it the same old way. My goal is to come up with as many creative kale recipes so our customers are as pumped as we are to eat this superfood on a regular basis. This Thai kale salad with sesame polenta croutons is a great way to use up a bunch of kale if you are strapped for time or running out of kale recipes. The creamy peanut dressing is so stinking good that you will probably have to stop yourself from drinking it with a straw. Trust me, you shouldn't be left alone with the peanut dressing. Don't say I didn't warn you! This salad tastes great on its own- however, I recommend eating it outside on the porch in the company of good friends and a couple of crazy dogs playing in the yard. Enjoy!

Thai Kale Salad with Sesame Polenta Croutons

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Salad:
  • 1 large bunch of kale, tough stems removed and chopped into bit-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
  • 3-4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small avocado, cut into small chunks
  • 1/2 cup raisins,
  • 2-3 Tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Peanut Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup organic smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tablespoon low sodium tamari
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes + more if you like the heat
For the Polenta Croutons:
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 9 ounces of pre-cooked polenta (about half of the standard cylinder size you can buy at most grocery stores) cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Preparation

  1. Prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients and whisking until smooth. This works best with an immersion blender or food processor. Taste test and adjust seasonings if necessary. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Stir in polenta cubes and cook until browned on all sides. About 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large salad bowl add the kale. Drizzle with half the dressing. Roll up your sleeves and lightly massage the dressing into the kale.  Wash your hands and then toss in the rest of the ingredients. Add the polenta croutons and more dressing.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

*you may end up with more dressing than you need for this salad. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. *Use this recipe as a guide. Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary. *Taste test as you go!

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