I’m usually late to the party on a lot of things. Quinoa … Downton Abbey… and not to mention kale. But I finally hopped onto the kale bandwagon a few years ago and I haven’t looked back since. In retrospect, I’m not sure why I ever hesitated since I now have a total love affair with this lovely cruciferous vegetable. It’s versatile, tasty and full of fiber, iron and all sorts of vitamins.
Marinated Kale massaged with Lemon
So in my ongoing quest to find healthy and fast food around the city, I was introduced to a fabulous chain called Blossom du Jour. Billed as a vegan, fast-casual establishment that seeks to make a positive impact on the world, I’ve become addicted to their Blossom Bowls. More specifically, the marinated kale. Holy moly is it good. It’s everything I love in a salad – lemony, salty, tangy and just plain delicious. So while I frequent their shop weekly, I set out to replicate this delicious kale so I could enjoy it when I’m not near one of their locations!
Marinated Kale massaged with Lemon
So… how do you massage kale and what difference does it make?!
Turns out… it’s super easy and only 5 ingredients!Ā You simply assemble a tangy dressing, massage it into the kale and then let it do it’s magic for a few hours. I was a bit skeptical about the massaging bit, but then I realized if *I* am better after a massage, why shouldn’t kale be too?! Plus, the massaging really helps soften both the texture and flavor of the kale.
Marinated Kale massaged with Lemon – Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free!
I’m not calling this a salad because it can be so much more – yes it can be the base of a (delicious) salad but it can also be used in wraps or burritos, as a side dish or used as a ‘bed’ on which to serve fish or protein. My go-to dinner is to throw some small tomatoes and avocado in it, but the possibilities are really endless. So get your hands on some kale and massage away!
- Serves: 2
- Serving size: 1 cup (1/2 portion)
- Calories: 93
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Sodium: 400
- Protein: 2
- 1 bunch of kale (I like curly kale)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- Wash the kale and cut into bite size pieces, removing any rough veins.
- Put the kale into a large glass or plastic bowl.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk with a fork.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage into the leaves with your hands for 2-3 minutes.
- Let the kale marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Enjoy as a side dish or as a salad!
Love this. I am jumpin on the bandwagon also, I eat it with yogurt every day so good. I will have to give this a try!
That sounds amazing, I never thought of it as a savory pairing with yogurt. I’ll be trying that!
Once I learned about massaging kale, I loved kale, too. What a difference a massage makes! I will definitely be trying this soon, Ahu!
Me too… and I should apply the same logic to myself. š
Massaging breaks down the kale fiber and allows it to soak in the dressing…
I will make this and use it in my sandwich, instead of lettuce ..
Your shot is beautiful. Are these baby kale or adult kale?
Yes, that’s exactly right! Thank you, they’re adult curly kale. š
I was a little skeptical about massaging kale too but it makes the kale so tender and delicious! That salad looks simple and yummy!
Amazing what a difference it makes, right?! Thank you!
I have been eating a lot of baby spinach lately (doing the Whole 30) and was just looking for some ideas on how I could swap it out for a different leafy green. This will be perfect, thank you!
Awesome, I hope you like it! š
I’m a fellow kale lover as well. I had heard of massaging kale but didn’t really believe it would make a difference but, like you said, if a massage works for us why not kale, and it absolutely did make a difference. Maybe it’s kind of like marinating a steak. By the way, love your blog and style of writing. I’ll be back!
Exactly ! Maybe should massage more things in life. š
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
I have a bunch of kale right now and have been trying to figure out what to do with it… thanks for the recipe!
Yay, so glad it came just at the right time! Hope you enjoy it! š
Ah, this sounds so good
I’m glad you like it! š
I could eat kale salad every day!
Me too! š
While the kale is marinating, should you leave it covered/uncovered and put it in the fridge or leave it on the counter at room temperature?
Iām a massage therapist so Iām quite certain that massage fixes everything!!!! Especially kale!