Massaged Kale Salad
This refreshing Massaged Kale Salad features tender kale, brightened with a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette. The kale is massaged to soften its texture, then tossed with sweet diced mango and crunchy toasted pepitas, creating a balanced and flavorful side or light meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For massaging kale and combining ingredients.
- 1 Small Bowl For whisking the dressing.
- 1 Whisk Essential for emulsifying the dressing.
- 1 Cutting Board For preparing kale and mango.
- 1 Chef's knife For thinly slicing kale and dicing mango.
Ingredients
Main
- 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
When massaging kale, truly get in there with your hands; the friction breaks down the tough fibers, making it tender and easier to digest. The addition of a little salt and acid (lemon juice) further aids in this process. For the dressing, slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a well-emulsified, cohesive dressing that coats the leaves beautifully. Adjust the honey and black pepper to taste, balancing sweetness and zest. Black kale (Lacinato or Dinosaur kale) is ideal for its tender texture once massaged. Ensure your mango is ripe for optimal sweetness and texture, contrasting perfectly with the kale's slight bitterness.