Calci-yum Broccoli and Kale Chip Salad

First day back to work today in over 2 weeks. I’m not going to lie, it was rough.

I had to wake up at 4am to get to my deep water running class + swim laps. While I never, ever mind going to the gym, today was difficult.

At 2pm my body [and brain] was expecting my afternoon nap, which I’d made a habit of during the holidays.

By the time I got home at 4pm I felt like I’d gotten hit by a bus. I was shaky, tired, and grumpy. Although well fed throughout the day [on my first attempt at chicken pot pie], I just didn’t have the jolt of evening energy I normally do.

When times get tough, I know exactly what to do. Green it up.

Problem was… I was out of kale. What is a girl to do?

Aha! [I said while digging through our pantry] Kaia Foods Kale Chips!

I found Kaia Foods in the summer when I was looking for a gluten free, raw granola. Just so happens Kaia makes fabulous raw kale chips too! They are coated with raw sesame seed paste, making them loaded with calcium! I bought a whole box of salt & vinegar flavour and have found myself using them as a last-minute-oh-my-gosh-if-I-don’t-eat-right-now-I’m-going-to-die snack.

If you don’t have kale chips, and don’t want to find them at the grocery store, you can use 1 bunch of fresh kale. I love to wash the kale in hot water to soften it up a bit. This makes it easier to digest too!

Calci-yum Broccoli and Kale Chip Salad

A 10 minute meal that will pick you up after a long, exhausting day. The almonds, kale, broccoli, and sesame seed paste in the chips give this salad a super high calcium rating. Served with Acai juice (as shown in the picture) will give you a good dose of anthocyanins, the compound that gives wine it’s heart health benefits. The bonus is, acai has higher concentrations with none of the health risks associated with alcohol.

Take that tough day!

Ingredients

• 1 package of Kaia Foods kale chips (I used salt & vinegar flavour)
• 2 cups steamed broccoli, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, soaked for 24hours (soaking optional)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, soaked for 24hours (soaking optional)
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp herbamare
• 1/8 tsp powdered ginger
• pepper

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl

Makes 4 servings if made as a side or 2 entree salads.

Tagged as: brocolli, kaia kale chips, kale, salad