Delicious and hearty, this lemony, garlicky kale salad is a must make for the perfect side dish or a meal.
What is there not to love about kale, especially the hearty and nutritious Lacinato Kale, also known as Tuscan kale? While it might not be the most visually appealing vegetable in the produce aisle, its nutritional benefits are unmatched.
Packed with vitamins A, K, C, B6, and essential minerals, Tuscan kale is a powerhouse that deserves a place in your diet. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ways to incorporate this gem into your meals, focusing on delightful kale salad recipes and the key role of olive oil in elevating their flavors.
A single cup provides a full day’s worth of vitamins A, K, C, and B6, along with essential minerals like manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium. Notably, Tuscan kale surpasses cooked spinach in vitamin C content, making it an excellent choice for supporting eye health and overall well-being.
Admittedly, Tuscan kale may not be everyone’s favorite initially. However, understanding its health benefits can inspire a culinary journey to find the perfect way to enjoy this nutritious leafy green.
The key to unlocking the potential of Tuscan kale lies in simplicity, and a crucial secret lies in the use of high-quality olive oil. This fresh salad may just help you change your mind from kale hater to a kale lover! This is truly the best kale salad recipe.
How To Get More Kale Into Your Diet
One of the best ways to enjoy Tuscan kale is by creating a delicious and nutritious salad. Start by rinsing each leaf thoroughly, removing the stems, and cutting the kale into small, bite-sized pieces.
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the kale, make a lemon dressing with a generous tablespoon of good olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper are added.
The magic happens when you massage the kale for 2-3 minutes, allowing the olive oil and lemon to infuse the leaves.
Making The Perfect Simple Massaged Kale Salad
Giving kale a little massage may seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer. This simple act tenderizes the kale, making it more palatable and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
The result is a crispy, yet tender, kale that serves as the perfect base for various salad recipes. The best part is that it takes just a few simple ingredients for the perfect salad.
Tips for the Perfect Kale Salad:
- Invest in a good olive oil for enhanced flavor.
- Remove kale stems for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Massage kale for 2-3 minutes to achieve optimal tenderness.
- Experiment with different types of kale for variety in texture and taste.
Ingredients You Need:
- Bunch of kale (Tuscan kale)
- 1/2 lemon
- good, fruity, lite olive oil
- sea salt
- pepper
Making Your Easy Massaged Kale Salad
- Wash and dry kale using a salad spinner (or dry with a paper towel if you don’t have a spinner)
- Remove the rib from the kale and chiffonade
- Add 2 table spoons of olive oil, the juice of 1/2 lemon salt and pepper to taste and this part is where you get the waxy leaf tender
- You massage the kale with a rubber glove on (when I say massage, I mean you basically grab a hand full of the kale in the mixture above and squeeze it in the palm of your hand, then release and grab another handful and do the same for about two to three minutes) You will see the kale become darker green and more tender
Raw kale salad will store in the fridge for up to 3 days as long as it’s in an airtight container. It’s a great way to help meal prep, and our favorite way to get more kale leaves in our our diet.
Incorporating Tuscan kale into your diet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right techniques and a touch of creativity, you can turn this nutritious green into delicious salads that will leave you craving more.
The key is simplicity, a good olive oil, and a little massaging love. So, head to your local grocery store or farmer’s market, grab a bunch of Tuscan kale, and embark on a journey of creating the perfect kale salad that suits your taste buds and nourishes your body.
Your next favorite recipe might just be a massaged kale salad away!
xoxo
B
Simple Massaged Kale Salad
Ingredients
- Bunch of kale (Tuscan kale)
- 1/2 lemon
- good, fruity, lite olive oil
- sea salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry kale using a salad spinner (or dry with a paper towel if you don't have a spinner)
- Remove the rib from the kale and chiffonade
- Add 2 table spoons of olive oil, the juice of 1/2 lemon salt and pepper to taste and this part is where you get the waxy leaf tender
- You massage the kale with a rubber glove on (when I say massage, I mean you basically grab a hand full of the kale in the mixture above and squeeze it in the palm of your hand, then release and grab another handful and do the same for about two to three minutes) You will see the kale become darker green and more tender