Raise your hand if you’re coming down with a wicked case of cabin fever!
These days I feel like I look like Jack Nicholson from the Shining – wild haired and wide eyed from being shut in against the howling wind and freezing temperatures, while peering out from behind the curtains – minus the whole horrific plot, obviously. A forecasted 6-8 inches of snow coming our way on Thursday isn’t helping matters much, either!
Ben and I have a fun trip planned to Charleston, SC in a little over a month, which I am considering creating a countdown chain for because I am so excited. I have repeatedly and excessively stated over the past couple of years (sorry!) that Ben and I really fell in love with the culture of New Orleans when we visited in 2010, and are excited to experience another southern staple – the city of Charleston. Taking restaurant/activity recommendations…NOW!
Anyways, I feel like I can’t even wait until then to get out of here! We’re trying to plan a long weekend getaway somewhere warm and within a 10-12 hour drive for some time in the next couple of weeks. Any ideas? I’d love to go to Austin (keepin’ it weird!) and Ben’s rooting for Memphis – I think because it’s such a hardcore music town and he’s dying for a bango. I’d go for the BBQ, I suppose.
Until we figure it out, I’m continuing to weave bright, light dishes into our weekly meal plan to remind me that warmer days and places are definitely ahead. Onward, right? Asian Kale & Salmon Salad is definitely helping the cause.
If the saying’s true that you are what you eat, then we’ll all be health goddesses after devouring this salad which combines antioxidant rich kale and red cabbage with vibrant veggies like carrot, cucumber, and green onions, tossed in a Asian-citrus dressing.
Salmon fillets, which are high in fatty acids that can help boost your mood, are marinated in the salad dressing then quickly seared and placed on top.
Sweet orange slices seal the deal and add a sweet burst of flavor to this yummy salad that is definitely classified as feel-good food!
Start the Asian Kale & Salmon Salad by making the salmon marinade and salad dressing which is one and the same. Yeehaw for double duty sauces! In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine 2-1/2 Tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 Tablespoon orange juice – store bought or fresh squeezed, your call.
Next add 1 Tablespoon lime juice and 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari (dish will not be GF if using soy sauce.)
Adding some Asian flavah is 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (a little goes a long way) and 2 teaspoons honey. If you measure the honey after the oil, it will slide right out.
Finally add 1 clove garlic and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger. If you don’t have fresh, 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger would do in a pinch!
Whir the ingredients together then set it aside while you prep your salmon. You’ll want 2-4oz fillets.
Season the salmon filets with salt & pepper then place into a ziplock baggie or shallow dish and add 2 Tablespoons dressing. Let them marinate on the counter while you get started on the salad portion of the program!
In a large bowl add 6 cups washed and dried kale. I rip mine from the tough stems then tear them into pretty small pieces.
Now get your massage on! Ben can’t convince me to massage his feet, but for some reason I really like massaging kale. I guess those two things aren’t really the same though. Anyways! Use your fingertips and hands to really get in there and massage the kale. It will start smelling kind of grassy (don’t worry it doesn’t taste like it) and whither down significantly. After 2-3 minutes the kale should be tender enough to eat. Just give a piece a try – if it’s not there, just keep massaging.
Time to add the crunchy toppings, including 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (psst – juice the leftovers!) and 1 peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber.
1 shredded carrot and 2 chopped green onions into the pool…
Finally, segment 1 large orange or 2 small oranges into the bowl. Here’s a tutorial for segmenting oranges >
Drizzle in the remaining salad dressing then toss everything to combine.
The last step is to saute the salmon in a nonstick-sprayed skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on one side, then 1-2 minutes on the other.
Divide the salad between two bowls, top with the seared salmon, then drizzle 1 Tablespoon chopped almonds on top. Voila, Asian Kale & Salmon Salad is served!
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Asian Kale & Salmon Salad
Description
Asian Kale and Salmon Salad is chock-full of vibrant, nutrient-rich veggies and tossed with a zingy Asian-citrus dressing.
Ingredients
- 2-4oz salmon fillets
- salt & pepper
- 1 bunch kale (about 6 cups,) torn from stem then into small, bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded & chopped
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 orange, segmented (or 2 small oranges)
- 1 Tablespoon almonds, chopped
- For the salmon marinade/salad dressing:
- 2-1/2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari (dish will not be GF if using soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic
- salt & pepper
Directions
- Blend marinade/salad dressing ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Season salmon fillets with salt & pepper then place into a ziplock bag or shallow dish and add 2 Tablespoons dressing. Marinate on the counter while you prepare salad.
- In a large bowl add kale then massage with hands and fingertips until tender, about 3 minutes. Add cabbage, green onion, cucumber, carrot, orange segments, and remaining dressing then toss to combine and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat then spray well with nonstick spray. Add salmon skin side down then cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip, peel skin off then discard, and then cook for 1-2 more minutes. Divide salad between bowls then top with salmon and sprinkle chopped almonds on top.
Notes
Adapted from Clean Eating Mag
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Don’t be intimidated by the length of the ingredient list here – many items are fridge and pantry staples. Besides, we’re worth it! ;)
Laurie 03.07.2013
You’ll love Charleston! I went to College of Charleston and loved every minute. You have to go to Hominy Grill. My husband swears by the She Crab Soup at Fleet Landing Restaurant. Plus, that restuarant is on the water. If you venture into Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, Boulevard Diner in Mt. P and Poe’s Tavern in Sullivan’s.
Have fun!!
Erika Eckley 02.22.2013
This recipe is amazing! Even my skeptical husband loved it. Thanks.
Maria G. 02.22.2013
Wow I just heard my stomach growl when I saw the pictures. I love salads and I love being healthy. The salmon looks good and tasty and I love the fact that it comes with sweet orange slices. I can’t wait to taste this once I learn to whip this up. Thank you for the recipe! How long is it going to take me to whip up this recipe? Can I make it in 30 minutes? I can’t wait to surprise my family.
Iowa Girl Eats 02.22.2013
Definitely a 30 minute meal!
Taylor 02.21.2013
Cru Cafe is a meal my husband and I still talk about after 2 years….not touristy, simplistic, foodie paradise. Must go!
Rachel 02.21.2013
I live in Des Moines, but am getting married in Charleston later this year.
I second the recommendation for the Pub Tour– we went last time we were there and loved it. Drinking + History :)
I also second the Blind Tiger (check out the outside area in back) and the Gin Joint (sit at the bar if you can–highly entertaining).
ashley 02.21.2013
You will LOVE LOVE Charleston!!! I was there last year for work and spent most of my time eating. Shrimp and grits are to die for!! Its very romantic too =)
Also, if you drive anywhere south of you…I would go to Nashville. I live here and its amazing. I would say the music is just as exciting and abundant..and better than Memphis. Plus, I can name about 5 different places for some all in your face amazeballs BBQ. The bar scene is super fun and historical!! Memphis is umm….ok. As much as people hype it up…its no Nashville. (kind of dangerous, too). I used to go there for work all the time and I dont find it anything to write home about.
Britt 02.21.2013
This will be the second year in a row we are renting a house on foley beach for a week in April. Last year we tried husk based on reviews and all agreed it wasn’t that great. However we LOVED Magnolias. Planning on going back at least once if not twice this year.
Enjoy.
michelle 02.21.2013
I’m a huge fan of kale, always on the lookout for new recipes! Thanks! :)
Lauryn 02.21.2013
Awe I love Charleston! My grandparents live there and my grandma used to give tours in those big old houses…Charleston is gorgeous, but hott. Be prepared. The market is lovely too, it is filled with rich southern culture and there are so many fun things to do! Also I am with Ben on the Memphis idea-I went once (being a huge Elvis fan) and I LOVE IT! Make sure you stop by the Peabody hotel and watch the ducks ride the elevator!! Loveeeee memphis!!
Lisa 02.21.2013
Husk or Queen 52, the later is a must on the patio-it’s so charming. Pick up this month’s Southern Living they’ve got great recommendations for restaurants/bars in all your fav southern cities!
Jessica D. 02.21.2013
I grew up in Memphis and live in Austin. Between the two, I’d say Austin is a better choice! There are great outdoor activities, TONS of incredible local restaurants, more live music than you could imagine, wineries close by, and best of all, guaranteed to be much warmer!!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen 02.20.2013
I could really use a colorful salad like this right now! I feel like I’m dragging lately. I need some sunshine and warm weather, stat!
Lindsay 02.20.2013
Love, love, love Charleston! FIG is one of the best restaurant’s with consistently amazing service every time you go! Trust your waiter’s recommendations…they have never let us down. Always have very interesting original drinks at the bar too! I had one of the best margaritas of my life at FIG! Cru Cafe for lunch is a definite must do.
Tasha @ Homemade 02.20.2013
Yum… the salmon looks amazing, perfectly cooked!
Jenny 02.20.2013
I live in Charleston and date a restaurateur from the northeast so whenever he comes to Charleston all we do is eat! FIG is fantastic and they just opened an oyster bar in an old bank called The Ordinary which is delicious as well. Brunch at Poogan’s Porch, Italian at Trattoria Lucca, and wine, cheese, and charcuterie at Bin 152 are our favorites. If you get out to Sullivan’s Island, you have to get a frozen painkiller at Home Team BBQ. Have a great trip to the Holy City!
Leslie 02.20.2013
Love your blog – have made many of your recipes and love them all. My husband and I have been to Charleston several times – so many great restaurants…if you like a hole in the wall hit up Dixie Supply Bakery and Cafe (http://www.dixiecafecharleston.com/) – carrot cake pankcakes are delish! I also like Halls Chophouse (http://hallschophouse.com/) – pricey but worthy of a special occasion. I had a fish special there that was so yummy I’m drooling just thinking about it.
I also recommend Nashville. We went there for a long weekend in Oct/Nov and had a great time. Good food and lots of live music.
Have fun!
Christie 02.20.2013
Just made this and it’s my first time having kale- I knew I could trust you to make it a winner! But how do you know when you’ve massaged the kale enough? Mine was still tough to chew, I suspect I didn’t massage enough. Do you do it piece by piece or can you do it by the handful? Thanks!!!
Jenny 02.20.2013
For some great Charleston recommendations, check out knows the place well!
Mary Johnson 02.20.2013
Because of you, I am now a huge fan of kale! And Austin, Austin, Austin. I’ve been to Memphis and Nashville, and while I love the south, I think you’ll have alot more fun in Austin. P.S. PERFECT FISH TACOS. Need I say more?
Emily 02.20.2013
I live in the good ole South (NC, to be exact) and I adore Charleston! I’m actually going for my bachelorette party in a matter of weeks. (I have yet to go to New Orleans and I’m uber jealous of your travels that you shared with us – in fact, I’ve noted your restaurant suggestions from those posts.) But for Charleston – here are some suggestions: High Cotton,Husk and The Gin Joint (for cocktails) http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/highcotton/charleston/
http://theginjoint.com/
http://www.huskrestaurant.com/
I can’t wait to read about your adventures in one of my FAVORITE cities!!!!