Kale, Apple, and Walnut Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette
When we were in New York City after Christmas, we found ourselves going back to the same restaurant just outside our hotel three nights in a row. Yes, it was good food but mainly we went there because it was biting cold outside and we didn’t want to walk any further than we had to. Needless to say, we got to know their menu pretty well. One evening my daughter and I shared their salad special—a kale, apple, ricotta, and hazelnut salad with a lemony vinaigrette. We fell in love with the combination of those tart, bitter, creamy and sweet flavors. Here in mid- winter, when food can be so heavy, my body felt nourished by those winter greens. Since I’ve been home, I’ve been making my version of that salad almost everyday for lunch. I use walnuts instead of hazelnuts since my 15-year-old is highly allergic to hazelnuts and I don’t keep them in the house. Sometimes I add in a handful of leftover chicken or use goat cheese instead of ricotta but regardless, each time I have it, I feel a surge of energy from this unassuming little salad.
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 handfuls of baby kale or a mix of kale and other winter greens
½ a Granny Smith green apple, cut into bite-sized pieces
A small handful of ricotta or goat cheese crumbles
A small handful of roasted and chopped walnuts or hazelnuts*
In a small bowl, mix together your garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Whisking continuously, slowly drizzle 3 tablespoons of your olive oil into the lemon and garlic mix. Taste. Add the final tablespoon of olive oil if you desire.
Put your kale on a large plate. Top with your apple, cheese and nuts. Drizzle a spoonful or two of the lemon vinaigrette over your salad. Enjoy.
*Roast nuts on a cookie sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes stirring once halfway through.
YIELD: a big plate of winter salad
I love you…and your words my dear friend! Your strength inspires! I love that your mom is still guiding you…and always will!
Thank you, my friend. xoxo
you’re not alone Carrie, you’re never alone even though the ‘physical-ness’ of your mom is not here, as you said, you still ‘hear’ her words, you still feel the essence of who she was while she was here. she continues to be your biggest cheerleader, telling you to ‘get going’. i’m rooting for you – you’re an amazing talent! (((hugs)))
Tears. Thank you, Deb. xo
C, thanks for openly sharing your stories. They are felt deeply by all who read them. We’re rooting for you in all you do for 2015+!!
Thank you, B!
Sending you a hug! My Mom has been gone over 25 years, and I still miss her every day, and feel her presence, and hear her words! May all your happy lovely memories sustain you during the tough times my friend….
Thank you, Patty. Hugs back.
I love your 2015 theme. I love that you write so near to your heart. I love that you throw in a recipe at the end of such a touching blog. Thanks for making me smile today!
You are welcome, my dear friend. Thank you for your kind words. They mean so much.
Carrie,
This post is inspiring and precious….just like you. Thank you for sharing your heart and nourishing me and my family with your words and your recipes. So looking forward to your book:):):). Sending you love & all good things!
xo
Thank you, dear Kathleen. xo
Thank you, Carrie, for your inspiration! Strength is just what I needed today, too… along with a great recipe! xoxo
You are welcome, my friend.
Your writing always moves me. <3
Thank you, sweet Sheila.
This is so motivating to me–I think it helps that my name is Carrie, too. 😉 I’m going to make a list like yours today instead of wishing I could lay my cheek on something hard & cold. And I’m definitely going to find the Laugh USA station! There’s not much a good laugh can’t cure.
Oh Carrie, I’m so glad I could provide a wee bit of motivation. And yes, definitely look up the Laugh USA station. It’s a good one!!
Amen sweet Carrie. Papa Bear
Love you, Dad.
This post touched me on a very deep level. I understand your pain. My father died 10 years ago this May. And although my mom and brother are still around, I have consciously chosen to live 5,000 miles away on a different continent. Why?… because it makes me happy. And despite that very important qualifier, I have tendency to feel sorry for myself when I feel lonely, forgotten, and when I don’t feel I can bear the weight of every decision on my own for even a moment more. Thank you for reminding me that I have the strength within me to carry on…to do what I am meant to do. Sending you a big hug and continued strength! xo Karyn
Thank you so much for generously sharing your thoughts, Karyn. A big hug and strength back to you! xo