massaged kale salad
If the thought of massaged kale sounds questionable to you, you’re not alone. The first time I heard of a massaged kale salad, what came to mind was, "um, no thank you.” But, then I tried it and I was hooked. Now, I am so into massaged kale salads that they are a daily staple. I vary the ingredients slightly, but the foundation stays the same. I am in love and it’s time to share the love with you!
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MASSAGED KALE SALAD
vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free
Recipe by Jentry Lee Hull
Yields 1 big salad, serves 2
MASSAGED KALE BASE INGREDIENTS
1 bunch curly kale (green or purple will do)
1 Ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
Juice from 1 medium orange
Splash of Apple cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ground Cayenne pepper, to taste
Ground Turmeric, to taste
Pink Himalayan Salt, to taste
SUGGESTED SALAD ADD-ONS
1 cup Legume: Chickpeas, lentils, great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup Cooked and cooled grain: Rainbow quinoa or brown rice
1 cup Seasonal Fresh Fruit: Nectarines, peaches, berries, cherry or heirloom tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, etc.
1 cup Seasonal Fresh Veggies: Red Onion, carrots, etc.
2 Tbsp Nuts and Seeds: Hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, cashews, etc.
METHOD
Thoroughly separate and rinse 1 bunch of kale, and trim from stems.
Group loose leaves into small handfuls, create a “claw” shape with your hand, and thinly chop (chiffonade) using a rocking motion (with a sharp knife).
In a salad spinner, rinse chopped kale and spin, to remove excess moisture.
In a large metal or wood serving bowl, combine chopped kale, avocado, juiced orange, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, ground cayenne, ground turmeric, and pink Himalayan salt. Massage ingredients together for a couple of minutes, gently incorporating everything until the kale leaves become tender and bright in color. This means the cell walls are beginning to break down, producing a sweeter more palatable flavor.
Once ingredients are well massaged, taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Add remaining ingredients, to your liking, and toss to incorporate.
Best when served immediately. But, will keep overnight in the fridge in a well-sealed container.
Check out my video here for more thorough instructions
NOTES
The Massaged Kale Base is meant to suit a variety of flavors and textures. You have creative license to mix up the Salad Add-Ons. Use whatever legumes, vegges, fruits, nuts, and seeds bring you joy!
