I never thought I would use “love” and “kale” in the same sentence. I know kale was so three years ago, I know that this will not even be a trendy food blog post at this point. But it has taken this long for me to give in to the foodies of days past. I finally have fallen in love with kale. Big time. Like I NEED this salad in my fridge every single week.

Kale chips were just plain weird and I tried many kale salads in the past. And massaging kale? You got to be kidding me. You know who needs a massage? Me. Not some stupid leafy green.

I found a dressing recipe on Foodlets, an awesome real food blog that you really should be reading. The dressing is good, a variation of my Best Salad Dressing Ever, and many other vinaigrettes I’m sure. It’s good, but it’s not why the kale salad is so good. The key is in the prep:

1. You must remove the ribs and slice the kale in thin ribbons.

kale ribbons

2. You must, must, MUST let it marinate in dressing overnight.

dressing on kale salad

The marinade allows the acid in the salad dressing (the balsamic vinegar) to break down the kale into a tender green. Not the rough, chewy, dry leaf you see as garnish in supermarkets.

I love topping it with grilled chicken, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced almonds. You get all the textures and flavors you need in a good salad.

 

 

 This has been my go-to salad for bringing to families with new babies. It’s also my go-to salad for at home and bringing to potlucks. In short, if you know me, you will probably have this salad sometime in the near future.


Now, admit. Who actually LIKES kale?

And if you do, how do YOU make it?