Today was a fantastic salad day. It was serendipitous because I had all of the ingredients on hand–so I had to make it (of course!). First off, let me explain what massaged kale is (other than pure-green-bliss). Kale is kind of hard in it’s raw form; it’s tense, it’s chewy, and super bitter–not the best–unless sauteed, baked, or, massaged with sea salt. And massaging works really with Dinosaur kale–the flat, dark green leaf, not the frilly leaves of Russian and other varieties of kale (although, you can use those too).
To massage kale: take about a teaspoon of nice sea salt and sprinkle it over washed dinosaur kale leaves cut into 1/4 inch wide strips all tossed into a bowl. It’s up to you if you want to leave the stems on–sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. Then, using your hands, squeeze the kale vigorously, so that the kale softens and moisture begins to sweat out. Take a moment and taste a piece to see if you need to add a little more salt, it really brings out the moisture and softens up the leaves nicely. The result is delicious!
The dressing for this salad was light, refreshing, and perfect for the allergy season as there is no oil base for it and it’s packed with good vitamins. Basically, you take four tablespoons of good honey, squeeze a whole lemon’s juice with it, grate a piece of ginger the size of your thumb in there, (maybe a little more depending on how spicy you like things) stir it up well together and there you go! It compliments the salty, green-ness of the kale so fantastically, that it took me a while to realize that the health benefits of this dressing were out of the roof too. I couldn’t help but give myself a mental pat on the back for making something so healthy taste so delicious. Yes!
Plus, anything with avocado in it makes it about one hundred times better, in my opinion. And there was a whole one of those in there too! Double yes!
As for other news, I’m offering a great introductory rate for new Health Coaching clients now through May 30th. I also offer a 30 minute free health history consultation for those interested to see if it’s something you’d like to do with no obligations. It’s fun and a great way to get to know each other. 
Check out the Food Loyal website for more information.
Cheers!
Massaged Kale Salad, recipe adapted from Edward Brown’s The Complete Tassajara Cookbook
12-15 leaves dinosaur kale 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt 4 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons lemon juice (one whole lemon) 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger black or red pepper 1 apple 6 radishes 1 avocado, chunks or slices 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds*
Rinse off the kale, Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch pieces, including stems if using dinosaur kale. Sprinkle on 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and begin to squeeze the kale and salt vigorously with your hands so that the kale softens and moisture begins to sweat out. Taste it to see if you need any more salt, which you probably will. Massage the kale until it’s moist and tender.
Mix together the lemon juice, honey, and ginger, and combine with the kale. Toss together. Slice up the apple into small chunks, the radish, the avocado, add the roasted sunflower seeds and some pepper–toss it and serve. Amazing!
*to roast sunflower seeds, put into a shallow pan, preheat your oven onto 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes. For lighter a roast, 10 minutes, for a darker roast, 15 minutes. Enjoy!
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I am currently doing a cleanse where I can’t (shouldn’t) eat too much vinegar. This is driving me crazy because it basically means no salad dressing!
This recipe is PERFECT, and I already have a freakish kale obsession, so even better. Thank you!
Amazing! And this salad will knock your socks off–it’s now one of my new favorites
Mmmm…I love kale, and simple dressings, and the Tassajara cookbook! I’ve been perusing it a lot lately for good salad ideas. I’m really feeling the need for light clean foods lately, and that’s the perfect cookbook!
I know! Isn’t it the best? I peruse it before bed, haha
Let’s meet at the market sometime soon!
This looks so delicious Tricia! I cannot wait to try to “massage kale”! And the photos are gorgeous! Making me hungry…:-)
Thanks, Cameron. It’s fun too! But then again, any excuse to get my hands dirty…I take, ha.
massaged kale sounds delicious! I have been eating a fare amount of salads lately with lemon juice and apples in it. I guess I should add this one to the list. Looks beautiful
Great! Let me know how it goes! (I was JUST snacking on the left overs when you left me this comment–still delicious the next day too!)
This looks revolutionary! I am a HUGE kale fanatic, so any additional ways to eat it are a huge bonus in my book. Thank you for the recipe and the beautiful photos!
You are very welcome! I’m the same way with kale, so if you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them too!
This is what I call a great salad! And I just so happen to have picked up some kale at the market today!
You won’t be disappointed!
I love Kale salads. I’ve been doing one that’s similar with roasted squash, toasted seeds with honey for a little crunch, and lemon juice/olive oil. This one looks great, and I can’t wait to try massaging the kale instead of sauteing.
That sounds fantastic! I’m going to give it a try
i LOVE kale–a lot of people find it scary but it is SO delicious. i used curly kale as it was all i could find. the radishes weren’t great at the market, so i skipped them this time. not a huge fan anyway but would like the little bite they provide. next time i make it i think i’ll add a little red onion in their place. this salad was wonderful (i was sad when it was gone…i wanted more!) and it will become part of my regular repetoire. thanks!
Wonderful, Marcy! Thanks for letting me know how it went!
I really love this “massaged kale” concept. Thanks!
Yummy salad….just made it with slight twists….was awesome!! Thanks for the recipe.