Here is the copycat Emerald Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing from the Houstons/Hilstone restaurant chain.
Houstons/Hillstone restaurants is one of my favorites. I always order the house made veggie burger and opt to skip the fries and instead order a side of the emerald kale salad with peanut dressing.
Several years ago, my mother and I decided to recreate the Emerald Kale Salad at home after we had a fabulous lunch at Houstons in New Jersey. It’s a very simple to recreate.
I have used the peanut dressing recipe for other salads too. Oh so yummy.
I recently moved to North Carolina where there are no Houstons/Hillstone locations so now this recipe has become even more vital to me.
Massage the kale first
I prefer to massage the kale so it’s easier to work with. To massage kale, simply add a few teaspoons of olive oil to torn kale in a large mixing bowl, and literally massage the kale with the oil using your hands. It softens up the kale a bit and makes it more easily digestable.
Kale is often called a superfood, and for good reason. This leafy green vegetable is packed with nutrients that can help improve your health in many ways. Here are just a few of the benefits of kale.
Kale is a superfood that is packed with nutrients
Kale is like a medicine cabinet in veggie form: it’s jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will have you feeling fit and amazingly healthy. Plus, it’s so versatile, you can pop it into everything from casseroles to smoothies. Whether you use it raw, steamed, sautéed or blended into a sublime beverage, the health benefits of this leafy green won’t be denied. So don’t skimp on the kale next time you hit up your local grocery store; get back to basics with what is undeniably one of the best superfoods around!
It can boost your immune system and help fight off diseases
Our immune system is like a solitary soldier on the frontlines of our body, constantly fighting for our health. But there are ways to give it a boost and increase its combat-readiness. One of those strategic assistance plans is boosting your immune system; it can arm your troops with a number of regenerative superpowers to wage an effective defense against a variety of diseases. So don’t be afraid to give your body some extra help – with a little fortification, your defenses will be able to withstand anything the world throws at them!
Finally, kale is low in calories and fat, making it a perfect food for weight loss or maintenance
Kale is the ideal dieter’s best friend. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and plenty of other fantastic things for your body, this wonder food is not only delicious but also a super-light alternative to many other calorie-filled options. Many people are turning to kale as a way to speed up their weight loss journey or maintain their desired weight – and why wouldn’t they? Not only do you get all of the rewarding health benefits associated with it but you don’t have to worry about counting calories or fat. Although kale can’t help you with that gym routine; it should definitely play a part in your healthy lifestyle!
Emerald Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing
Here is the copycat Emerald Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing from the Houstons/Hilstone restaurant chain.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup Peanut oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
For the salad:
- 2 1/2 cups curly kale, chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 10 mint leaves, chiffonade
- 1/4 of a bunch of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup whole dry roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
- Add the kale, cabbage, mint, cilantro, and chopped peanuts to a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss until the salad is well coated.
- Sprinkle the whole dry roated peanuts and shaved parmesan just before serving.
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The peanut oil isn’t the easiest to find, though most grocery stores do carry it, usually in smaller bottles. If you are unable to locate it, you can buy it here –> Peanut Oil from Amazon
Ultimately, kale should be considered a ‘super food’ due to the plethora of health benefits it offers. From its impressive nutrient content to its powerful antioxidants and low-calorie count, eating kale could be the perfect way to start living a healthier lifestyle. So next time you’re heading to the grocery store, consider adding some kale on your list. Your body will thank you for it! And when you get started cooking with kale, don’t forget to have fun with it by experimenting with different recipes – before you know it, the Emerald Kale Salad will become a regular staple in your kitchen!