in the kitchen | kale and brussels sprouts salad

image by Christopher Testani

Brussels sprouts. Some people love them, others h-a-t-e these little baby cabbages. Personally, I am a huge fan-steamed, roasted, raw...I'm down for brussels sprouts of any variety.

On Sunday night, I joined my parents in the 'burbs for dinner and we were fortunate enough to have our good family friends in from Nashville also share the table with us. During our conversation, our friend mentioned how they had recently found a new recipe for brussels sprouts that is sure to please any one, so naturally I had to look into.

Lucky for me, this took all of two seconds, and I happen to have enough of the ingredients laying around to make my own twist on the dish. So if you are looking for something quick, easy, healthy, and pretty darn delicious, give this one a whirl!

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

adapted from Bon Appetit

1lb brussels sprouts, sliced very thin or grated

1 C kale, leaves thinly sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/3 C roasted almonds, chopped

Dressing

2-3 T Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (yes, I cheated)

1 T Dijon mustard

1-2 T olive oil

1 T lemon juice

1 small garlic clove, minced

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Mix balsamic vinaigrette dressing, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl and set aside. 

2. Toss shredded brussels sprouts, kale, and pepper in a large bowl. Add in crushed almonds. 

3. Toss salad with your somewhat-homemade dressing

4. Serve immediately paired with a lovely white wine and fresh bread :)

Bon appetit! 

in the kitchen: chopped caprese salad

On most days, I try to bring my own lunch to work so I am not constantly going out for food. This also lets me be more thoughtful as to what I am preparing (I don't really trust the cafeteria food at work...)

Typically, a salad is my go-to meal and with spring slowly creeping in, all the vegetables are looking extra fresh and delicious. And of course, what goes better with fresh vegetables, but some fresh mozzarella cheese?! Enter: the chopped caprese salad...a light and fresh, but definitely satisfying, salad to delight your taste buds!

Chopped Caprese Salad serves 1

Ingredients

1 small roma or vine tomato, chopped

1/4 c red onion, chopped

1/2 c bell pepper, chopped (I used orange!)

1/2 avocado, diced

1/4 c carrots, grated

4-5 small mozzarella balls, quartered

2-3 tbsp of balsamic dressing (store bought or homemade)

Cilantro, optional or basil for a traditional caprese

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare all veggies and place into mixing bowl.

2. Toss with balsamic dressing, top with cilantro or basil. Season with salt and pepper

3. Enjoy! Pairing suggestion: toasted baguette or a cup of soup (if your office is as cold like mine!)

Bon appetit!