Kale Salad with Homemade TJ’s Island Soyaki Dressing
I am not one of those people who tends to like salad without the dressing. Unless hummus is involved, I personally think the dressing makes the salad.
I usually do a simple mix of lemon juice, olive oil, agave, and sea salt and call it a day, but I recently discovered the Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki. Have you tried it yet? Technically, it’s a marinade and not a salad dressing, but I’ve essentially been treating it like a food group. On roasted veggies, tofu, tempeh, salads…sometimes I think about taking a swig from the bottle.
The TJ’s Island Soyaki is a mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, canola oil, sesame seeds, and a handful of other ingredients. It has that awesome sweet/salty thing going for it that I can’t resist. It’s also relatively low-calorie (about 40 calories per tablespoon, and a little goes a long way), but I love the challenge of taking store-bought products and creating my own homemade spin. I also love replacing not-so-great ingredients, like processed sugar and cheap oil, with healthier, higher quality options. Thus, my version uses organic, raw agave nectar and hemp oil, and I also simplified it to just six ingredients. There’s no need for preservatives or “natural” flavors when you’re using fresh ingredients and planning to consume it within the day.
Poured over a large bowl of kale, massaged, and then tossed with chopped avocado, hemp seeds, and dulse – this is my new go-to dressing and meal. And not unlike the highly addictive Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki, I just can’t get enough.
This salad has so many of my favorite foods in one (extra large) bowl.
Kale Salad with Homemade TJ’s Island Soyaki Dressing
Kale Salad with Homemade TJ’s Island Soyaki Dressing
Serves: 2 generously
Prep Time: 10 mins
This healthier, copycat Trader Joe's Island Soyaki dressing gets poured over a large bowl of kale, massaged, and then tossed with chopped avocado, hemp seeds, and dulse. It's my new go-to dressing and meal.
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan Servings: 2 generously
Prep Time: 10 mins
This healthier, copycat Trader Joe's Island Soyaki dressing gets poured over a large bowl of kale, massaged, and then tossed with chopped avocado, hemp seeds, and dulse. It's my new go-to dressing and meal.
Instructions
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing by adding the pineapple juice, liquid aminos, hemp oil, vinegar, agave, and crushed garlic to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the kale, and using your hands, massage the kale for 1-2 minutes until the kale is tender and most of the dressing has been absorbed.
- Add the chopped avocado, hemp seeds, and dulse flakes to the large bowl of kale.
- Toss to combine and enjoy!
Notes [1]
Trader Joe’s now sells bags of pre-washed, chopped, organic kale. It’s great for when you’re short on time or just don’t feel like prepping kale. I used one full bag for this recipe.
Copyright © 2023 Amanda Maguire for Pickles & Honey
