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
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
Instructions
- Start by washing hands and fresh produce!
- Strip the kale leaves off the stem and tear into bite-size pieces, place in a large bowl.
- 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.
- Top with parmesan cheese and toss.
- 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.