Kale and Pear Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing Recipe

This fresh and vibrant kale salad is topped with a nutty sesame-pear dressing, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's an easy, healthy dish that's ideal for lunch or as a side at dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons less-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 8 cups chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 cup sliced pear

Directions

1. In a canning jar, combine the canola oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tamari, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Shake the jar well to combine all the ingredients, creating your dressing.
2. Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl and pour most of the dressing over the kale. Reserve about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dressing in the jar for later use.
3. Massage the dressing into the kale with your hands for about 3 minutes until the leaves become tender and wilted.
4. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the kale and toss to evenly distribute them.
5. Top the salad with the sliced pear and drizzle with the reserved dressing from the jar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 273
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 6g

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	20g	26%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	148mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	8%
Dietary Fiber	7g	25%
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	6g	12%
Vitamin C	109mg	121%
Calcium	234mg	18%
Iron	3mg	17%
Potassium	672mg	14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This healthy and vibrant salad pairs the earthiness of kale with the sweetness of pears, drizzled with a savory sesame-ginger dressing. Its an excellent addition to any meal, providing not only refreshing flavors but also a significant nutritional boost. Here's a deeper look into the history, regional variations, and interesting facts about this dish.

Origin and History

The combination of kale and pears is a relatively modern fusion, though both ingredients have a rich history. Kale, a member of the cabbage family, has been cultivated since antiquity, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. Known for its nutrient density, kale has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in health-conscious circles. Pears, on the other hand, have been a staple in European and Asian cuisine for centuries, with numerous varieties cultivated throughout the world. The pairing of these ingredients in salads is a product of the growing interest in combining savory, sweet, and crunchy elements in contemporary salads. The addition of sesame-ginger dressing adds a subtle Asian flair, blending the earthiness of sesame with the bright zing of fresh ginger.

Regional Variations

This kale and pear salad, with its sesame-ginger dressing, has been embraced in various forms in North America and Europe, particularly where theres an increasing focus on plant-based and superfood-rich diets. Kale salads have long been associated with health-conscious eating, popularized by the farm-to-table movement. The dressing itself, a simple mix of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and tamari (or soy sauce), reflects the influence of East Asian cuisine, which frequently incorporates sesame and ginger in salads, stir-fries, and marinades. In some regions, variations might include swapping pears for apples or adding other ingredients like nuts or seeds for extra crunch. In Mediterranean areas, the use of olive oil instead of sesame oil and the inclusion of herbs like mint or basil could be a regional variation.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While kale salads are common in many cuisines, what sets this one apart is the unique blend of ingredients and flavors. Many kale salads are simply tossed with olive oil, lemon, or balsamic vinegar, whereas this recipe incorporates a rich sesame-ginger dressing that offers both depth and warmth. The sweetness of the pear provides an unexpected contrast to the bitterness of kale, creating a balance thats less commonly found in more traditional salads. Compared to other salads featuring pears (like those with cheese or nuts), the sesame-ginger dressing gives this dish a savory, umami profile that is more aligned with Asian culinary traditions.

Where Its Typically Served

This kale and pear salad is ideal as a side dish or light main course. It is commonly served at casual dinners, holiday gatherings, and health-conscious meals, making it versatile for various occasions. Given its fresh and light nature, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based dishes like tofu or quinoa. Additionally, its often found on menus in farm-to-table restaurants and modern bistros, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are emphasized. The salad is particularly popular in health-oriented cafes, vegetarian restaurants, and spots focusing on clean eating.

Interesting Facts

• Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.
• The combination of sesame seeds and ginger in the dressing offers not only flavor but also numerous health benefits. Sesame seeds are high in antioxidants and healthy fats, while ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Pears, which are rich in fiber, help in digestion and provide a natural sweetness that balances the kale's bitterness.
• This salad is a great example of how global culinary influences can merge to create something both innovative and nutritious.
• The use of rice vinegar in the dressing adds a mild tanginess, while toasted sesame oil imparts a warm, nutty flavor that complements the earthiness of kale.

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