This is one of the recipes I’ve made most often in my public talks about the joys of leafy greens. The secret to this massaged kale salad is using a trail mix that has a nice blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. That’s what gives this simple salad its “wow factor” with no extra effort. Every time I’ve made a salad like this for an audience or company, it’s devoured!
When you hear about massaged kale, that’s meant literally. Massaging this hardy green makes it soften, become brighter green, and makes it more tender. Best of all, it gets a better mouth feel and enhances its flavor.
My favorite kind of kale for salads is the common kind of curly green kale. Lacinato works too, as long as the leaves aren’t too large and tough. The sweet-tart flavor balance of this kale salad makes it a perfect accompaniment to hearty and spicy dishes. Recipe adapted from Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas.
Fruity & Nutty Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces kale, any variety
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup trail mix
- 1 medium apple, cored and diced
- Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Strip the kale leaves off the stems. Slice the kale thinly and place in a serving bowl. If you’d like to use the stems, slice them thinly as well; otherwise, discard.
- Coat your palms lightly with olive oil and massage the kale until it softens and becomes bright green, 30 to 45 seconds.
- Add the remaining oil along with the other ingredients. Toss together with the kale.
- Taste and add more lemon and maple syrup or agave for the sweet and tart balance. I tend to like a more pronounced flavor of each, but tailor to your liking.
- If time allows, cover and let the salad stand for 15 minutes or so before serving.
Notes
Use a firm ripe pear in place of the apple.
- See more about How to Massage Kale (and a few delicious kale salad ideas)
- Enjoy more of our easy vegan recipes and salads
Photos (top and bottom) by Evan Atlas
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