This is my Favorite Kale Salad. I’ve been making this kale salad almost once a week the last couple of months, and it has become a staple in our house. Massaging the kale leaves makes for a tender salad – no more prickly edges.
The first time I had massaged kale salad, I was intrigued by the unique texture. The typical rough kale edges were tender, not prickly.
Although “massaging” kale might sound strange, the technique is similar to a shoulder massage. You literally use your (clean) hands to massage the kale. Massaging the kale helps break down tough cell walls and fibers. Lemon juice and salt help this process along. I like to add some garlic for more flavor.
Kale before massaging
Massaging Kale Salad
Kale Salad after Massaging
Favorite Kale Salad Swaps
This kale salad recipe is flexible and versatile. The key is to use the freshest kale you can get your hands on. I love to get mine from the farmer’s market or in my CSA box. Do not use limp kale. Limp kale won’t improve by massaging it.
I used dried cranberries, almonds, and Parmesan cheese in this recipe, but other dried/fresh fruits, nuts and cheeses would be delicious too. By swapping different fruits, nuts and cheeses, you can make a “new” kale salad each time.
- Fresh or dried blueberries
- Fresh or dried apricots, cut into bite-size pieces
- Fresh mango, cut into bite-size pieces
- Walnuts, chopped
- Pecans, chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Crumbled blue cheese
This has become my son’s girlfriend’s favorite kale salad. Even my husband who doesn’t usually like kale enjoys this salad.
Give this easy recipe a try – it might just become your favorite kale salad :).
Favorite Kale Salad
Massaging the kale softens the leaves for this fresh and delicious salad
Ingredients
-
10
cups
kale leaves
I use curly kale -
2
cloves
garlic -
1/4
teaspoon
sea salt -
1
lemon
juiced -
2
tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil -
1/4
cup
dried cranberries -
1/4
cup
sliced almonds
toasted -
3
tablespoons
Parmesan cheese
grated; can also substitute feta, goat cheese or blue cheese
Instructions
-
Wash and dry kale leaves; place in large bowl.
-
Put garlic and salt in mortar and mash garlic into a paste.
-
Add garlic paste, juice of one lemon, and olive oil to kale. Use clean hands to massage kale. Massaging breaks down cell walls and makes kales leaves tender.
-
Add dried cranberries, almonds and cheese. Toss and serve. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Favorite Kale Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 154
Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 180mg8%
Potassium 605mg17%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 11175IU224%
Vitamin C 144mg175%
Calcium 215mg22%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you like this Kale Salad, you might also like:
Kale Salad with Feta, Garlic Panko, and Fried Egg
