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Massaged Kale Salad Recipe

4.5 from 117 reviews

This Massaged Kale Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring tenderized curly kale coated with creamy avocado and bright lemon juice. The massaging process softens the kale’s texture, making it easier to enjoy while enhancing its flavor. Topped with your favorite salad additions like tomatoes, cucumber, and roasted chickpeas, this salad is wholesome, nutritious, and perfect as a light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 1 large head curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Toppings

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Additional avocado
  • Roasted chickpeas

Dressing

  • Dressing of choice (optional, see suggested dressings in the recipe links)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water, remove the tough stems by slicing or tearing them away, and pat the leaves dry completely with a clean kitchen towel. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add flavor ingredients: Pour the lemon juice over the kale, add the sliced avocado, and sprinkle the sea salt evenly throughout the bowl.
  3. Massage the kale: Using clean hands, gently massage and squeeze the kale with the avocado, mashing the avocado as you go so it coats the kale leaves evenly. Continue massaging for about 1 to 2 minutes until the kale becomes noticeably softer and takes on a darker green color.
  4. Rest the salad: Allow the massaged kale to sit and rest at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. This further tenderizes the leaves and melds the flavors.
  5. Add toppings and dressing: Just before serving, top the salad with your choice of fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber, extra avocado slices, or crunchy roasted chickpeas. Drizzle your preferred dressing to enhance the salad’s flavor if desired.

Notes

  • Massaging the kale is essential to soften its tough texture and eliminate bitterness.
  • Drying the kale leaves thoroughly ensures better absorption of the lemon juice and avocado.
  • You can customize the salad with any toppings or dressings based on your preference.
  • Roasted chickpeas add a crunchy texture and extra protein.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated covered for up to 1 day.

Keywords: massaged kale salad, kale salad, avocado salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, vegan salad