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How to Massage Kale

August 10, 2020 | Meal Prep

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Learn how to massage kale so you can enjoy how delicious this healthy green is! Preparing kale the right way makes all the difference. Prepare it in advance so you can make a quick healthy salad in no time!

Massaged Kale in a shallow bowl with a squeeze lemon, bottle of oil, and bowl of salt to the sides.

Raw kale straight off the stem is tough and very earthy flavored. Add a little oil, lemon juice, and salt and give it a little massage and then you have a tender yummy healthy green for the base of all your salads for the week.

Massaged Kale

It seems odd to “massage” kale but think of it similar to kneading dough. Working the kale with your hands helps produce a more desired texture as well as taste. It is well worth the 3 extra minutes of effort.

Hands holding a kale leaf and tearing the leafy part off the hard rib.

HOW TO MASSAGE KALE:

Time needed: 8 minutes

  1. Separate

    Rip the kale leaves off of the rib and dispose of the tough rib.

  2. Tear/Chop

    Tear or chop up the kale to bite size or smaller pieces and place in a bowl.

  3. Season

    Drizzle kale with oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt.

  4. Massage

    Rub the oiled kale between your fingers for 3-5 minutes until softened.

  5. Store

    Store in an air tight container for up to 3 days. (Kale will get more tender the longer it sits in the fridge.)

Photo showing how to massage kale by grabbing it in hands and rubbing it between fingers.

FAQS

How long does fresh kale last?

Kale is a hardier green that can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge stored dry in a plastic tub or bag that is breathable. To help it last long, add a paper towel to the container to absorb moisture.

Can kale be frozen?

Yes! Clean, dry, and chop into 1 inch pieces. Lay on a large baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to a year. It can not be used for fresh salad but it can be used in cooked dishes like soup and pasta.

How to know when kale has gone bad?

If kale is wilted, a pale greenish yellow, brown, soggy, or smells sulfurous, it has spoiled and should not be eaten.

What should I add to Massaged Kale Salad?

You can go as simple as adding some shaved Parmesan cheese or add in vegetables like roasted beets, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chickpeas for protein and texture, and top it with some creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing.

Leaves of raw kale on a marble surface with a bottle of oil, lemon halves, and a small bowl of kosher salt.

TOOLS USED TO PREPARE KALE:

  • Pyrex Mixing Bowls with Lids- The large or medium bowl in this set is great for prepping and storing your kale.
  • Lemon Juicer– This is a manual one which can be used for any kind/size of citrus fruit. I really like this metal squeezer for lemons and limes.

LOOKING FOR MORE SALADS? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • Tuna Chopped Salad
  • Broccoli Bacon Salad
  • Tabbouleh Salad
  • BBQ Chicken Salad
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad
Print Recipe

Massaged Kale

Learn how to massage kale so you can enjoy how delicious this healthy green is! Preparing kale the right way makes all the difference. Prepare it in advance so you can make a quick healthy salad in no time!
Prep Time8 minutes mins
Total Time8 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 48kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch curly kale, (about 6 packed cups)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  • Tear the leafy portion of the kale off of the hard rib. Discard the rib and then rip or chop the kale into desired size pieces.
  • Drizzle kale with oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and massage by grabbing the leaves with your fingers and and gently rubbing them. Do this for 3-5 minutes until softened.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to massage kale
Nutrition Facts
Massaged Kale
Amount Per Serving
Calories 48 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 12mg1%
Potassium 160mg5%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 3247IU65%
Vitamin C 40mg48%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze

Related topics:
Meal Prep Salad

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