Salad Saturdays: Fresh Lemon Kale Salad

So we were making BLT's the other day for lunch.  (This is not a post about BLTS, though.)  There is something magical about crispy bacon, crunchy lettice, juicy tomato, and toasted bread slathered in mayonaisse that never gets old.  Summer is written all over that sandwich.

My brother Stephen?  Well, he doesn't like vegetables.  So his BLT become B . . . and B.  The second B stands for bread.  Then he adds cheese (because you need protein, you know) and suddenly, you have a sandwich that doesn't resemble a BLT at all.  Practically sacrilegious if you ask me.

While I'm rinsing the lettuce, I ask him why on earth he doesn't like tomato and lettuce on his BLT.  He shrugs and says, "I just don't."  Not an acceptable answer young man.  I stuff a bit of lettuce in my mouth and grin, to prove it won't kill him to make his sandwich incredible by adding lettice to it. He throws up his hands and complains, "You're just a natural!"

I won't lie, I almost laughed, so it was a good thing I was already grinning at him. I just love that boy.

Whether you are a natural or not, this salad is the way to eat kale.  I hadn't tried kale until last weekend with my cousins in Texas (reason?  Didn't you just read the previous paragraph?) but once I tried my aunt's salad, I was hooked.  One of the first things I did when I got home was go get some kale from the store.  (Along with shampoo and sunscreen and shorts for camp I'm going to next week, but really, that isn't as important . . . :)

This is my Aunt Maury's salad.  I love her to absolute pieces and I treasure ever moment with her.  She is a lighthearted, generous, hilarious person and a total gem. Her salad is a gem as well.  I think you'll like it as much as I did, natural veggie lover or not!

Fresh Lemon Kale Salad
Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life
Yield: 2-3 servings

juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
1-2 tablespoons canola oil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 bunches of kale, chopped coarsely
1/2 red onion, sliced thinly

Combine first four ingredients in a jar and shake.  Combine kale and red onion in a bowl and pour dressing over them.  Let sit in refrigerator for several hours or overnight to let flavors blend.  Serve cold.

Since summer weather often leads to fresh and cool cravings, I'm going to start  a Salad Sarurday series. Salads and salad dressings are easy and customizable, not to mention good for you.  I can't wait to share my favorites with you!