Massaged Kale Salad

Recipe by The FruitGuys

BASIC INGREDIENTS

• One bunch kale (stems removed), washed thoroughly and spun or patted dry
• Two tablespoons–1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (or sub one tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar)
• Two teaspoons honey or agave (optional if a sweet dressing is preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• One avocado, diced (note: half the avocado can be massaged in with the kale to give it a lovely, creamy texture; the other half can be added before serving)
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• Fresh corn kernels cut from the cob
• Grated carrots
• Chopped stone fruit, apples, or pears
• Dried cranberries

PREPARATION

1. Chop or tear kale into bite-sized pieces, and place in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle on lemon juice and enough olive oil to lightly coat (you can always add more later), and sprinkle lightly with salt (add in 1/2 avocado if using).
3. Massage kale for 2–3 minutes until leaves have softened, then allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes before tossing with extras.
4. After marinating, taste kale for texture and dressing. Add more olive oil, salt, and pepper as needed.
5. Sprinkle on extras of choice (note: it’s best to go with only one sweet ingredient, especially if using honey or agave in the dressing), and serve!

This recipe serves 4. Prep time, 10–20 minutes; time to marinate, 15 minutes to 1 hour.