Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe

Vegetarian Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe

This Vegetarian Hillstone Kale Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish inspired by the popular salad from Hillstone (formerly known as Houston’s). It features a crunchy mix of kale, cabbage, fresh herbs, and a flavorful peanut dressing. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

6 cups kale (Lacinato or curly, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
4 cups green cabbage (shredded, Napa or Savoy works well)
4 green onions (thinly sliced)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
½ cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
½ cup roasted peanuts (chopped)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegetarians)

For the Peanut Dressing:

⅓ cup roasted peanut oil
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut oil, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Set aside.

Massage the Greens:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and shredded cabbage. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and use your hands to massage the greens for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to soften the kale and cabbage, making them easier to digest.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

Add the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, mint, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) to the bowl with the massaged greens.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Add Peanuts:

Gently fold in the chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch.

Serve:

Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime just before serving.
You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients like shredded carrots or diced bell peppers.
If you prefer a vegan version, simply replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.

This Vegetarian Hillstone Kale Salad is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor and texture—perfect as a side dish or a light main course! Enjoy!