Turns Out, the Best Kale Salad Is at Swedish Hill in Austin—and They Shared the Recipe. (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep kale salad in the fridge? ›

How to Store Kale Salad. You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Any type of kale will work here. I especially like to use curly kale, but feel free to swap in Tuscan kale (aka lacinato kale) if you prefer. Extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice – You'll massage them into the raw kale to help the leaves soften.

Vegetables: Kale can be paired with other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Fresh kale needs to be refrigerated, so if you don't plan on using it right away, you'll need to store it in the fridge, by following these steps. Place clean, dry kale in a plastic storage bag or a reusable food storage container with an airtight lid. (A bag is convenient since you can squeeze out all the air.)

The key to storing fresh kale is keeping it dry, as excess moisture will speed up the spoiling process. To store a bunch of raw kale: Don't wash the kale until you plan to use it. Again, you don't want to introduce any unneeded moisture to the greens.

RELATED: Believe It Or Not, Kale Actually Lives Up To All Of Its Hype—Here's Why. Manganiello says you can eat kale every day, just don't overdo it. She recommends one to two servings maximum of kale per day, leaving room for other healthy foods that provide an assortment of nutrients.

"However, if you are looking for a food that is particularly high in fiber, vitamins K and C, kale is a better choice," she said. "If you are looking for a food that is particularly high in folate and a source of iron, and vitamins A and E, then spinach is a better choice."

Companion planting kale will repel some of the common pests that affect the plants. However, for some reason, kale does not enjoy the companionship of basil. The kale will do well with potatoes but will not get along well tomatoes. Additionally,kale will not do well with strawberries.

Slugs & Snails

If you have holes in your kale leaves, but don't spy any insect pests during the day, check the plants at night. Slugs and snails much prefer damp weather and darkness, so you're most likely to find them feeding on plants during the nighttime or on rainy days.

Does lemon juice soften kale? ›

By massaging it for as little as 2-3 minutes with a little oil and/or lemon juice, it becomes more tender, making it easier to chew and digest. The other reason is to infuse the kale with more flavor before the dressing is added.

Adding salt and squeezing lemon make a big difference by removing bitterness. Adding some spicy or sweet flavors may help tame the strong flavor of bitter kale.

Place the clean leaves in the sink or a big bowl and fill it with water. Add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water. Mix and let rest at least 20 minutes. Rinse and drain the kale leaves.

Kale that's spoiled will be discolored, limp, moldy, smelly, and/or mushy. If you notice any of these changes in your kale's appearance or aroma, stick to the safe side and toss your kale in the trash.

Stored correctly, an average salad will last up to five days in the fridge. Any longer than this, and you'll start to see soggy, wilting leaves. Stored incorrectly, and you could be looking at no more than a couple of hours!

Because kale leaves are so hardy it is one of the only greens that you can wash and prep days in advance. Stem, slice or tear the leaves, rinse, then dry well in a salad spinner or with kitchen towels. Store the prepared leaves, wrapped in a paper towel in a zip-top plastic bag, for up to 3 days.

Lettuce and Other Greens

You should keep lettuce and other leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or collards in the refrigerator. Lettuce should keep for a week or two. Spinach won't last for more than a week. Other greens will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.