Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tomato Fried Rice Salad featuring massaged kale, tomato-spiced fried rice, and tangy toppings like olives and crumbled feta. This recipe combines the freshness of kale with the rich, caramelized flavors of tomato paste and garlic, resulting in a healthy and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Kale Mixture
- 1 large bunch kale, thoroughly rinsed and dried
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. Italian or herb seasoning
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Tomato Fried Rice
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp. ground gochugaru (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice
Toppings
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped olives
- Crumbled feta cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Massage the Kale: Strip the kale leaves from the ribs and tear the leaves into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the ribs into 1/4-inch pieces. Place both leaves and ribs in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to massage the oil and seasoning into the kale for about 5 minutes until the leaves become slightly translucent.
- Make the Tomato Fried Rice: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, tomato paste, sugar (if using), gochugaru (if using), and onion powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture and cook until the tomato paste lightly caramelizes, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked rice and stir to coat it evenly with the tomato mixture. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice is warmed through and starts to turn crispy, approximately 8 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: On each plate, place a portion of the massaged kale. Top with a generous helping of the tomato fried rice. Garnish with thinly sliced red onion, chopped olives, and crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens its texture and makes it more enjoyable to eat raw.
- The sugar and gochugaru are optional but add subtle sweetness and a spicy kick to the rice.
- For best results, use day-old cooked rice to prevent it from becoming mushy when frying.
- This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Feel free to substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative to suit dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Tomato Fried Rice Salad, massaged kale, vegetarian salad, tomato rice, feta cheese salad, healthy dinner, Mediterranean salad
