Imagine a salad so delicious and revolutionary that it turns even the most stubborn kale skeptics into leafy green enthusiasts! Our Massaged Kale Salad with Mandarin Vinaigrette isn't just another boring health dish – it's a culinary experience that combines the robust nutrition of kale with a bright, citrusy twist that will make your taste buds dance. By using a simple massage technique, we transform tough kale leaves into a silky, tender masterpiece that's as enjoyable to prepare as it is to devour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing the kale. Rinse the kale leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and place the leaves on a clean cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, remove the tough stems from the kale. Discard the stems and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl.
- To massage the kale, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chopped leaves. Using your hands, gently rub and knead the kale for about 2-3 minutes. This process helps to break down the tough fibers, making the kale more tender and flavorful.
- Once the kale is massaged, set it aside and prepare the mandarin vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and emulsified.
- Drain the can of mandarin oranges and add them to the bowl with the massaged kale. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the kale and oranges.
- Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad until the kale and mandarin oranges are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the kale to soften further.
- Before serving, give the salad one last toss. Divide the salad into four serving plates or bowls and enjoy your fresh Massaged Kale Salad with Mandarin Vinaigrette!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp kale for the best texture and flavor. Lacinato (dinosaur) kale works exceptionally well for this recipe.
- When massaging kale, use gentle but firm pressure. Think of it like giving the leaves a relaxing spa treatment – you want to break down the fibers without shredding the leaves.
- Don't rush the massaging process. Take 2-3 minutes to ensure the kale becomes tender and loses its bitter edge.
- If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, you can lightly toast the mandarin oranges or let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts as a garnish.
- The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
