Kale and Cucumber Salad with Roasted Ginger Dressing

Ingredients for Kale and Cucumber Salad with Roasted Ginger Dressing

• 230g fresh ginger

• 1 green or red Thai chilli

• 1 garlic clove

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 45ml vegetable oil

• 1 bunch small Red Russian kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into bite-size pieces

• 1 English hothouse cucumber, very thinly sliced

• 3 Persian cucumbers, very thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• Kosher salt

• 1 bunch coriander, coarsely chopped

• 40g store-bought fried onions

How to make Kale and Cucumber Salad with Roasted Ginger Dressing

Heat grill. Grill ginger in its skin, turning once, until very dark brown and beginning to scorch in places and a paring knife passes through the centre with relative ease, 40–50 minutes (if skin is getting too dark before flesh is tender, turn down the heat or move to the oven). Let cool; slice (leave on the skin).

Pulse ginger, chilli, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor, adding additional water by tablespoonfuls if needed, until a smooth paste forms.

Toss kale and 1/4 cup dressing in a large bowl to coat; massage with your fingers until kale is slightly softened.

Toss English and Persian cucumbers, onion, lime juice, and sugar in a medium bowl to combine; season generously with salt. Let sit 10 minutes to allow cucumbers and onion to soften slightly.

Add cucumber mixture to bowl with kale and toss to combine, adding additional dressing if desired. Serve topped with coriander and fried onions.

Dressing can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.