Fall in Love with Kale

I was talking to a friend the other day on the phone and she asked what I was doing, I replied that I was eating a giant kale salad. She started laughing and said "What is with kale anyway?" little did she know the answer to that question would go on for over 10 minutes. Kale is super good for you AND delicious (if you're eating it fresh and preparing it right) that that's why it is so popular right now. It's one of the most nutritiously dense vegetables and boasts innumerable health benefits.

From WebMD: One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

I've been a vegetarian for years and one thing that drives me crazy is the myth that vegetarian food is bland and boring. One of my favorite foods is a delicious Caesar salad but the vegetarian/vegan versions often lack creamy-ness or the kick that anchovies give it. So I cam up with a recipe for kale salad that tastes delicious. This vegetarian (vegan if you leave the parm out) Caesar dressing is so rich and flavorful, you're going to love it! For the greens I like to use a mix of kale and arugula but you can use anything you'd like.

Vegetarian Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup Olive Oil
3 tablespoons high quality Dijon Mustard (I like Westbrae Natural organic Dijon)
3-5 cloves of Garlic, depending on clove size and how much you like garlic!
1 splash of White Wine Vinegar OR Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 squeezed fresh Lemon (or more to taste)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kale & Arugula

Mix it all up and enjoy!