People can’t say enough about the nutritional benefits of kale. It’s full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Source: weightlosssuccessnow.com via Michelle on Pinterest
Personally, I love it. But serving it to others can be a little, ahem, tough. Kale leaves are definitely not delicate, so those that aren’t already “greens lovers” might be turned off by eating raw kale.
One of my go-to ways to prepare kale is as chips (roast or dehydrate the torn leaves with a bit of EVOO, garlic powder and salt until crispy). But this time, for a family dinner, I really wanted to try something different for people to experience. I went with a massaged kale salad.
I did all the prep work at home.
And then then assembled the salad once we were at my parent’s house.
Superfood Massaged Kale Salad (serves 6 – 8)
- 1 bunch of kale, washed with leaves torn into pieces, stems removed
- 1 lemon
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 10 grape tomatos, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1 – 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 c. goji berries and/or raisins
- 1 radish, sliced into shoestrings
- 1 c. of creamy dressing
- 1/4 c. walnut pieces (or nut/seed of choice)
- 1/4 c. pepitas (or nut/seed of choice)
1. Place the kale in a large bowl. Squeeze the juice from one lemon over the kale, and massage both ingredients together for a few minutes. The kale should begin to soften.
2. Toss everything else (including the dressing) into the bowl except the walnuts and pepitas. Stir to combine, and allow the salad to “marinate” for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Just before serving, toss again, and top with walnuts and pepitas.
What a fantastic combination of flavors and textures! Even Bob, who’s not usually a huge fan of salads, said he really liked this one!
I really like the salad dressing that I make, but I’m sure you could substitute your favorite creamy dressing instead.
MIWFY: This salad (with dressing) is gluten-free and vegan.
Do you like kale? Do you eat it often? How do you enjoy eating kale most?
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I have heard such good things about massaging kale!! I usually just eat mine raw, or sauteed! This salad looks delicious!
Sauteed is good, too! I’ll sometimes add it into Indian-type dishes.
First of all, this salad looks amazing. Second of all, you always look so comfortable and at ease while cooking! That photo says, “Oh, just making an delicious, healthy salad. NBD.”
you are too cute! i knew i liked kale for a reason. SUPER FOOD!
I love kale and my family likes it as well if I make it in the form of kale chips. I have tried it with salad before but I think it was a bit too bitter for them. Does the lemon juice help with that?
Yes! The lemon juice and dressing definitely help. But also, just massaging the kale helps too.
currently obsessing over kale. YUM. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never heard of massaging salad?! Is this exclusive to kale? It sounds so fancy. I’m not a huge fan of kale because of the bitter taste but I wish I was…it’s so freaking healthy, I feel like a fake health nut since I don’t like it.
I would try kale roasted as chips, or definitely massaged for a salad. Otherwise, you’re right, it’s not the most palatable green ever.
I already thought you were a genius, but now I’m thinking you’re a sorceress… you got a guy to eat a salad!! What kind of black magic is that ?!
Too funny! Yeah–he’s usually not too keen on salads, but he went out of his way to say he liked this one. Score!
I’m not a huge fan of kale so I only get it once in a while. I’ll add it to smoothies with spinach. Love the “massage to soften” idea
You’ve got to try kale chips. So good!