Springtime Spinach, Kale and Pasta Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Don't hate me, but I don't love salads. This one though... I had seconds. And then thirds. And then as I was putting away the leftovers, I ate a little more. 

I improvised with what I had, so my version had some extra bonuses. I added cucumbers, grilled asparagus and chicken. I eliminated raspberries, celery and red onion. It was divine. I think it was probably the dressing and pasta that made it so. 

Springtime Spinach, Kale and Pasta Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bowtie pasta, cooked al dente , cooled and tossed with Olive oil or a bit of the dressing
• 8 cups kale ( about one bunch of Kale), chopped
• ½ lemon juiced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• sea salt
• 1 large head red leaf lettuce or 16-20 cups of spinach
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1 pint raspberries
• 1 pint strawberries
• celery, finely chop 2-3 stalks
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped fine
• avocado 1-2, chunked

Creamy Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup orange juice
• 1 heaping tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 tablespoons chopped shallot
• ¼ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• ½ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or cider vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper

Method:

Cook the pasta, for bowtie, I cook for about 10 minutes ( a minute less than package directions) in about two tablespoons of salt.Set aside to cool, or if making ahead, toss with a bit of the dressing (about ¼ cup) or a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, place in ziplock bag and store in fridge for up to three days before serving. Prepare the dressing by placing all dressing ingredients in a deep bowl or jar and whisking using an immersion blender. You may also use a blender. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to use. Wash the berries and let drain. Pat dry if needed. Wash and spin the kale dry. Chop into bite size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Juice the lemon and pour over the kale in the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the kale. Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt. Using hands, massage the kale for a few minutes until you can feel the kale breaking down. When you are finished, the kale should be about half the volume. You may also do this in a sealed ziplock bag, squeeze the air out first! Toss the pasta, kale and the other greens (lettuce or spinach) together and place in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining fruit, chopped celery, green and red onions on top of the greens in a serving bowl or platter. Add the chopped avocado just before serving. Drizzle with dressing. Alternately, toss the greens, pasta and all of the other ingredients in a large bowl with about ½ of the dressing, reserving some of the fresh berries and the avocado. After tossing, place in serving bowl, top with additional fruit and avocado and drizzle with a little of the remaining dressing.

I found this recipe here.