If you think kale is too tough, bitter, or difficult to enjoy raw, this Massaged Kale Salad may change your mind. Massaging kale with a simple lemon dressing softens the leaves, mellows their bitterness, and gives the salad a much more tender texture. The result is a fresh, flavorful salad that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve with a larger meal.
The secret is in the name. Instead of simply tossing raw kale with dressing, you use your hands to gently work the dressing into the leaves for a couple of minutes. As the kale softens, the leaves become darker green and easier to chew. This simple technique is especially useful for hearty varieties such as curly kale and Tuscan kale.
Fresh lemon adds brightness while Parmesan provides a salty, savory flavor that balances the earthy taste of the kale. The combination makes this an easy side dish for grilled chicken, roasted meats, sandwiches, soups, or pasta. You can also customize the salad with toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apples, avocado, or your favorite protein.
For the best texture, remove the tough stems and ribs before chopping the kale. Then add the dressing and massage the leaves until they soften but still retain some bite. You don’t want to turn the kale mushy—the goal is tender and pleasantly chewy.
This easy massaged kale salad is also a great make-ahead option because kale holds its texture better than delicate salad greens. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for an easy lunch or side dish.
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Massaged Kale Salad
What is massaged kale? Massaged kale is raw kale that has been gently rubbed with dressing for a few minutes to soften the leaves and mellow their naturally bitter flavor.
- Total Time: :20
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale (black kale is especially good), stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup)
- Small handful toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), about 2 rounded tablespoons
Instructions
- In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while you make the dressing.
- In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes. Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas. Toss and serve.
Notes
Why Do You Massage Kale?
Massaging breaks down some of the tough structure of the leaves, making raw kale softer and more pleasant to eat. It can also help mellow kale’s bitterness.
- Prep Time: :20
- Cook Time: :00
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Combine