Raw Kale Salad with Root Vegetables

Tender, long-leafed Lacinato kale works especially well in this recipe, but any variety will do if it's cut very thin and given a thorough rubdown with salt, vinegar, and oil. The grated root vegetables and maple-glazed pecans add just the right crunchiness.

Salad

• 2 12-oz. bunches kale, stems removed, leaves cut into thin strips or chiffonade
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ tsp. salt, divided
• 1 cup whole pecans
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbs. canola oil
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 medium turnip, peeled and grated (1 cup)
• ½ medium rutabaga, peeled and grated (1 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, grated (½ cup)
• 2 green onions, cut thin on diagonal

Dressing

• 2 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 Tbs. grated lemon zest
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos
• 2 tsp. agave nectar

1. To make Salad: Place kale in large bowl, and pour olive oil, vinegar, and 1 tsp. salt over top. Gently massage mixture into kale about 2 to 3 minutes by hand, or until kale starts to wilt. Let rest 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss together pecans, maple syrup, canola oil, remaining ½ tsp. salt, and cayenne in medium bowl. Spread nut mixture in single layer on prepared baking sheet; bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until pecans are brown and fragrant, stirring frequently. Cool in pan.

3. To make Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, soy sauce, and agave nectar in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

4. Stir turnip, rutabaga, carrot, and green onions into kale mixture. Toss with Dressing. Garnish with pecans.

Recipe