Peach and Kale Salad with Maple Miso Vinaigrette
Now that peaches are in season, it’s the perfect time for a raw kale and peach salad recipe. I love peaches. They are perfection. This salad brings together the wonderful sweetness of peaches with crunchy, nutritional kale and ties together with a tangy Maple Miso Vinaigrette and pecans. It makes a delicious, satisfying lunch or dinner salad.
In this kale salad, I used Grade B maple syrup. Many people believe that “Grade B” has more nutrients in it than the other organic, pure maple syrups. Actually, the nutrients are the same in Grade A and Grade B. The difference, and one that I love, is the flavor. Grade B is much deeper and more complex. It has a stronger maple flavor. I would suggest that you give it a try.
Why it is really just a myth that Grade B is better than Grade A? What is the real difference?
Maple tree’s sap runs from late winter to spring. Maple syrup is graded by color and the earlier sap is a much lighter color (grade a) than the sap collected later in the spring (grade b). The darker sap creates a syrup that has a stronger, deeper flavor. But more nutrients? All pure maple syrup is made the same way. It seems that some people thought that since Grade B was darker, it was less refined. But no pure maple syrup is “refined” so that simply isn’t true. They both contain many beneficial nutrients, including minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Pure maple syrup is not raw but is a natural sweetener that many raw recipes use.
You can read more about the different grades of maple syrup here: Maple Syrup: Facts and Fiction.
Peach and Kale Salad with Maple Miso Vinaigrette
MAKES 2 LARGE SALADS OR 4 MEDIUM SALADS
Salad
- 1 large bunch kale
- 2 peaches, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Grade B
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (cold pressed)
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons light miso (white or yellow)
- Himalayan salt and pepper
- Remove stems from kale and tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in large bowl.
- Prepare vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Pour vinaigrette over kale and give it a really good massage. The idea here is to massage the dressing into the leaves and break down the leaves a bit. This step is crucial.
- Toss with peaches and pecans.
Lucy wrote on July 29, 2013
I LOVE this salad! I made it twice in the last 5 days. Our local peaches are gone, but our nectarines are in and they made a perfect substitution. I imagine using apples will be great with this in the fall. This is my new favorite salad. Thank you so much for your wonderful web site and blog. It has been so supportive in my journey going raw.
Richard Gill wrote on July 29, 2013
Very Interesting website.
I’m into raw healthy food too and must say you have a cool & awesome website out there.
Patricia Robinett wrote on July 28, 2013
Susan, you have done it again! THANK YOU! It’s delicious. There’s a peach tree in the yard that is begging to give us its trees and they are perfect in this dish. eeeeYUM!!!!!
Kathleen Bryce wrote on July 27, 2013
should the nuts be soaked ? I thought all raw nuts should be soaked, then dehydrated , before use.
So should I have some that have been treated this way and store in a jar for quick use ? I’ve so much to learn.
Susan wrote on July 27, 2013
I soak and dehydrate the nuts I use but it is completely up to you if you want to for this recipe. You can read more about it here: https://www.rawmazing.com/raw-food-soaking-nuts-and-seeds/
Marta @ What Should I eat for breakfast today wrote on July 27, 2013
It sounds very tasty. Hope to try it out soon.
Brandy wrote on July 26, 2013
It’s nice to have recipes where the ingredients are already in-house. Thank you for this.
Prish wrote on July 25, 2013
Looks gorgeously refreshing!
Mary wrote on July 25, 2013
I just got back from the farmers market with fresh Tilton county peaches when I saw my e-mail with this recipe. I happened to already have all the other ingredients in my fridge. OMG it was absolutely delicious. This kale peach salad is going to become a regular at my house. Thank you for this and all your wonderful recipes.
Jean-Luc wrote on July 25, 2013
Tried it today for lunch … Fantastic. Susan, you have hit the mark dead center again. The combination of peach sweetness and kale texture hits the spot. Super nutritious too. Thanks!