RECIPE: Lemony Kale Salad - Three Ways!

From Cooking Light, August 2012

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 cups torn kale leaves

2 cups torn Swiss chard leaves

4 teaspoons unsalted pumpkinseed kernels

1/4 cup sliced green onions (about 2)

1 ounce shaved pecorino Romano

Preparation:

1. Combine first 5 ingredients, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add kale and chard; toss. Let stand 10 minutes.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add kernels; cook 5 minutes or until brown, stirring frequently. Add kernels, onions, and cheese to greens; toss.

Variation 1. Spicy Soy

Combine 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon chili garlic sauce in a bowl. Add 4 cups torn kale, 2 cups torn Savoy cabbage leaves, 1 cup shredded carrot, 1 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced radish, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; toss. Let stand 8 minutes.

Variation 2. Greek-Style

Combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add 4 cups torn kale and 2 cups torn Swiss chard; toss. Let stand 10 minutes. Add 1 cup chopped English cucumber, 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, and 10 ­kalamata olives, pitted and quartered. Toss.

Variation 3. Apple-Walnut

Combine 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon walnut oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add 4 cups torn kale and 2 cups torn Swiss chard; toss. Let stand 10 minutes. Add 1 cup sliced Granny Smith apple, 1/2 cup sliced celery, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, 1 ounce crumbled blue cheese, and 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts; toss.