Massaged Kale Salad with Stone Fruit

Kale is one of the tougher greens, but massaging it with lemon juice and salt—as explained in this recipe—helps it relax a bit. Really! The results are truly tasty, especially when you add seasonal stone fruit, pumpkin seeds, and a dash of honey.

Massaged Kale Salad with Stone Fruit

Adapted from hippkitchen.com

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons raw honey
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup stone fruit in small dice (apricots, plums, nectarines, and/or peaches)
• ½ cup roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or toasted sunflower seeds

Preparation

1. Massage Kale: In large serving bowl, add the kale, half the lemon juice, a drizzle of oil, and a little kosher salt. Massage with your fingers, rubbing the leaves, until the kale starts to soften and wilt, about 2–3 minutes. Set aside while you make the dressing.
2. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the ¼ cup of oil while whisking until dressing emulsifies and it tastes good.
3. Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the kale (enough to lightly coat), and add the diced stone fruit and toss.
4. Rest and Serve: Let sit for 10–15 minutes (optional), sprinkle on pepitas or sunflower seeds, and serve.

Serves 4. Prep time, 10–15 minutes; wait time, 10–15 minutes (optional).

Cook’s Note

Gently massaging the kale breaks down the cellulose walls, releasing the water and “cooking” the kale, softening it into a state of lusciousness. The acidity in the lemon also helps with this process, so if available, allow wait time before serving.