More kale Mom! Yes, the boys can’t get enough kale when I make this Kale with Cranberries recipe. This quick and easy salad has just 4 simple ingredients –kale, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and olive oil. Although it’s the perfect Thanksgiving dish, it’s become a staple in our house all year round.
That makes me very happy because this healthy salad is full of highly nutritious super foods. First, there is the kale, a cruciferous, cancer fighting vegetable packed with flavonoids. Then we have the cranberries, high in vitamin C, and pine nuts, the edible seed of the pine tree which are higher in protein than any other seed. The final ingredient in this easy salad recipe is olive oil, which is full of good fats that help to control blood sugar levels.
Kale with Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Steam the kale until it is bright green
- Meanwhile, in a 9 inch cast iron skillet, toast the pine nuts
- Allow kale and pine nuts 5 minutes to cool, then toss together in a large bowl
- Add dried cranberries and olive oil
- Toss and serve
My boys fight over this easy kale recipe. The four of us can finish off the 2 bunches of kale that the recipe calls for in one sitting. Even when their dad is not home for dinner, the three of us can easily devour it!
Kale with Cranberries is one of my favorite salad recipes, here are some other easy kale recipes for you:
elana says
Tracee,
I added a link to the dried cranberries in the recipe above for you.
Thanks for your question.
Elana
Tracee says
Elana,
Where do you find dried cranberries that do not have sugar added to them? I have yet to try to make some in my dehydrator, but I may have to resort to it. I too, am anxiously awaiting your cookbook!
Sori says
I’ve found Eden organic to be sweetened with fruit juice – not sugar.
elana says
Hi Betsy,
I confess, I’m not much of an olive oil connoisseur. If I’m out grocery shopping with him (which happens maybe once a year) I’ll have my husband select something very good. Otherwise I just buy whatever is cold-pressed, virgin and organic (with a decent price point) at the health food store.
Sorry I can’t be of more help. Maybe someone in the forums will have a better answer for you.
Elana
Betsy says
I almost always use coconut oil or grape seed oil to cook and bake with but I was wondering what olive oil you would recommend healthwise and tastewise ( something that does not carry a strong olive taste???)
elana says
Marie,
Thanks for your comment! I’m so glad you liked this dish.
My cookbook is coming out in fall 2009.
Elana
Marie says
This was so yummy! I’ll be honest- I wasn’t too sure about this as I’m not exactly a fan of kale. But knowing how good kale is for my health, and knowing how much I’ve enjoyed all the recipes of yours I’ve tried, I decided to make it. And what a pleasant surprise in flavour. As always, keep up the great work. When is your cookbook coming out? I’m going to be first in line to get a copy!
elana says
Pat,
Kale is indeed good for you (and it’s a superfood); here is a list of the worlds healthiest foods.
Elana
pat says
I’m trying to eat vegetables that are good for me is Kale one of them? Can you please give me a list of healthy vegetables thanks Pat
Elana says
Marissa, thanks for the ideas on kale. I am always looking for new ways to serve this super healthy veggie.
Elana
Marissa says
Oh that looks wonderful…I am eating a bowl of kale right now…kale, peas, shiitake mushrooms, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese.