Kale Mango (Pear) Salad

1 bunch kale (stalks removed and discarded, thinly sliced)
1 lemon
1/4 olive oil

kosher salt
2 tsp agave nectar or honey
freshly group pepper
1 mango
handful pumpkin seeds

This is one of my favorite salads. My mother in law found it on foodnetwork.com for me one day when I wanted to make something with fresh kale. It is amazing! Tonight when I made it; our mango turned out not to be ripe so I used pear instead and it was just as yummy!

In a serving bowl, put the kale, half of the squeezed lemon, a drizzle of olive oil and some kosher salt and massage for 2-3 minutes until it softens and kind of wilts. For the dressing whisk together the other half of lemon, the 2 tsp of agave nectar, lots of fresh ground pepper and the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Pour the dressing over the kale add the mango and top with pumpkin seeds. YUM!

Vegan Beet Salad

I found this salad in Whole Living Magazine and I LOVE it! I have already made it a second time! I admit the first time I toasted the bread a little less and I do think that is better.

1 small bunch beets (1 lb)2 slices rustic bread, torn into 1 inch pieces (2 cups)1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil coarse salt (I use kosher salt) and freshly ground pepper
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. orange juice
2 avocados, sliced
2 navel oranges, peel and pith removed, segmented
2 cups fresh spinach (I used a lot more than 2 cups)
1 tbsp. toasted salted sunflower seeds

1. Heat oven to 425. Wrap beets in foil with a little butter and salt and roast until tender. About an hour. Once cool, remove skin and slice. 2. Meanwhile, toss bread pieces with 2 tbsp oil, season with salt and pepper (I only used pepper), and toast until golden brown about 6 minutes. 3. Whisk vinegar, orange juice and remaining 2 tbsp oil. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over beets, avocados, oranges, spinach and croutons. Season with salt and pepper. Top with Sunflower seeds.

The first time I made this salad I tossed the whole salad. It was very tasty that way, however not as pretty.