Kale salad

Here’s a fresh and flavorful Kale Salad recipe that’s simple, nutritious, and anything but boring. Massaging the kale is the key to turning it from tough to tender!

🥗 Simple Kale Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 bunch curly or lacinato (dino) kale

• 1/2 lemon, juiced (or more to taste)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds)

• 1 small apple, thinly sliced or chopped (optional)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the kale:
   Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Remove stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2. Massage the kale:
   In a large bowl, drizzle kale with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 1–2 minutes until they darken and soften.

3. Make the dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the salad:
   Add grated Parmesan, nuts, apple slices, and cranberries to the massaged kale. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine.

5. Serve:
   Let sit for 10–15 minutes if time allows — the flavors deepen and the kale becomes even more tender.

🔄 Variations:

• Add quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Top with avocado or a soft-boiled egg.

• Swap Parmesan for feta or goat cheese.

Would you like a spicy kale Caesar version or one with an Asian-style sesame dressing?