Massaged Kale Salad

Instead of hiding your kale in a smoothie (a trick we love) try highlighting this superfood with a simple massaged kale salad. Massaging the thick kale leaves breaks down the tough cellulose structure making the leaves silky and tender. Offer a topping bar to let each child customize their salad and add a favorite flavor. 

Massaged Kale Salad

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch kale
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (1 lemon)
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Avocado slices, Dried cranberries, Diced apples, Roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Method

 

1. Start by washing hands and fresh produce!
2. Strip the kale leaves off the stem and tear into bite-size pieces, place in a large bowl.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients except the parmesan cheese and knead or massage with clean hands for 3-5 minutes. As you massage you will notice the leaves softening and turning a dark green color. The volume should reduce by about half.
4. Top with parmesan cheese and toss.
5. Serve as is or add one or more of the optional toppings.

Notes

If you have a student that does not like to get their hands dirty, use food service gloves or make the salad in a zip top bag and massage the bag.