Relax Your Kale...Give It a Massage!

In January I was in Seattle and, for the first time, had a fresh kale salad.  I came home and tried to replicate it for Wayne, it was OK, but the kale was not tender enough.  Off to Google I go and discover that kale needs a good massage to make it relax.  Now this is my favorite green to use in salads.  It's really good with fruit (I've used mango and oranges) and with the traditional salad vegetables.  Adding your favorite cheese topping only makes it better!  I like using blue cheese with the fruit version and freshly grated Parmesan with the vegetable.  Try this for a really healthy, delicious salad!

Ingredients

·         1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced

·         1 tbs. lemon juice

·         2 tbs. olive oil

·        

Drizzle olive oil and  lemon juice over kale and massage the kale until it starts to soften and wilt, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside while you make a dressing.

Sweet Dressing (if adding fruit)

In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup lemon juice with 2 tbs. honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Slowly add ¼ cup of olive oil while whisking.

Pour the dressing over the kale, and add 1 cup of fruit.  Toss and serve.

Vinaigrette

·         ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

·         ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

·         2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)

·         2 garlic cloves , minced

·         ½ teaspoon sugar

·         ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper (to taste)

·          Kosher salt (to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until combined.  Add chopped tomatoes, green onions, and cucumber to kale.  Shake dressing again and pour over salad.  Toss and serve.