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Massaged kale salad:

If you have never tried having a massaged kale salad before it is time you try! Because the flavors are beyond amazing and there is not bitter taste to the kale after giving it a nice massage.

Why massage the kale?

I know you are probably thinking, what I have to massage my kale? And the answer is yes if you want to take your kale salad to the next level. I love massaging my kale because it allows for the kale to be less bitter, helps break down the tough fibrous parts of the kale. And this helps aid in digesting the kale better, it is easier to chew, and just overall makes for a more tender salad.

What do I need to massage my kale?

Good quality olive oil, lemon juice, salt + pepper, and optional Manuka honey.

How do I massage the kale?

And this is the part that you show your food some TLC! Add the chopped kale to a large bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and Manuka honey (if using) and with your hands massage everything into the kale. And once the kale is nice and soft, darker shade of green, you know you have massaged it enough. I typically will massage for about 2-3 minutes. And any excess liquid you get I would strain to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Ingredients to add to salad:
  1. Maple almonds or candied pecans
  2. Pumpkin seeds
  3. Pomegranate seeds
  4. Dairy-free feta cheese ( I used Violife Foods brand which is our favorite vegan cheese)
  5. Apple slices

But feel free to get creative and add other items to your salad based off what you have at home or the season.

Putting it all together:

Add the ingredients to the massaged kale, toss, top with sliced apples, and enjoy!

Storing:

If you aren’t going to eat right away, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And this salad will last 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. But don’t forget to strain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.

Check out these other salad recipes:

Massaged Kale Salad

Quinoa Fall Harvest Salad

Autumn Massaged Kale Salad:

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped Kale it will shrink once you massage so keep that in mind
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp Manuka honey substitute any type of honey you have
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/3 cup maple almonds substitute any type of nut/seed
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/3 cup dairy-free feta cheese substitute any type of cheese
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 apple sliced

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Add chopped kale to a large bowl
  • Add the olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, Manuka honey, salt + pepper, and with your hands massage it all into the kale for about 5 minutes or until kale is nice and soft
  • Drain any of the excess liquid to prevent salad from getting soggy
  • Add in maple almonds, pumpkin seeds, dairy-free feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and toss
  • Top with freshly sliced apples