True Food Kitchen's kale salad has achieved almost mythical status among health-conscious eaters. Its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and surprisingly addictive flavor profile make it a standout dish. But what makes this salad so special, and how can you recreate it at home? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making a True Food Kitchen-inspired kale salad, answering common questions along the way.
What Makes True Food Kitchen's Kale Salad So Popular?
The secret to True Food Kitchen's success lies in their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful approach to flavor balancing. They use organic kale, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a unique dressing that's both tangy and subtly sweet. The result is a salad that's both incredibly healthy and genuinely delicious – a rare combination in the world of healthy eating.
What Kind of Kale Does True Food Kitchen Use?
While the exact variety isn't publicly disclosed, True Food Kitchen likely uses a hearty type of kale that holds up well to the dressing and other ingredients. Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) or Tuscan kale are excellent choices because of their robust texture. Avoid overly delicate kale varieties that might wilt easily.
What's in the True Food Kitchen Kale Salad Dressing?
The dressing is the heart and soul of this salad. While the exact recipe remains a secret, we can infer key components based on taste and their commitment to healthy ingredients. Expect a base of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, likely a citrus element (lemon or lime juice), a touch of sweetness (perhaps agave nectar or maple syrup), and possibly Dijon mustard for tang. A hint of savory spices like garlic or onion powder could also be present.
Can I Make a Copycat True Food Kitchen Kale Salad at Home?
Absolutely! While replicating the exact recipe is impossible without access to their internal recipes, you can get remarkably close by focusing on the key elements:
Ingredients:
- Kale: 1 large bunch of lacinato or Tuscan kale, stems removed and chopped
- Vegetables: 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes (cubed), 1/2 cup roasted butternut squash (cubbed), 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries, 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare the Kale: Massage the chopped kale with a little olive oil to soften it. This prevents it from being tough and bitter.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine the kale, roasted vegetables, cranberries, pepitas, and goat cheese (if using) in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Is the True Food Kitchen Kale Salad Vegan?
The base salad, without the goat cheese, is entirely vegan. However, many versions include goat cheese, which makes it unsuitable for vegans. To keep it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese.
Does True Food Kitchen offer a gluten-free version of their kale salad?
Yes, the True Food Kitchen kale salad is naturally gluten-free. The only potential allergen would be the goat cheese, if included, depending on its preparation. Always check with your server if you have any severe allergies.
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to the restaurant version. Remember to adjust the ingredients and dressing to your preferences. Experiment with different vegetables, nuts, and seeds to create your own unique variation. Enjoy your delicious and healthy home-made True Food Kitchen inspired kale salad!
