Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is ready to eat in under 5 minutes. This kale salad is simple, yet full of flavor from the freshly grated Parmesan, lemon, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Serve this easy salad recipe as a side to your favorite meal, or enjoy it as is for a healthy lunch. 
Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Kale has grown on me.
When I first tried it a few years back, I wasn’t sold on it. Sometimes kale salads are too tough for my liking. After some work on different salads using kale, I have realized that massaged kale salads are my favorite way to eat a kale salad. This Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is my go-to salad when it comes to kale.
The leaves are softer from the massage you give them and the flavors really pop. Especially the lemon, which is one of my favorite salad flavors.
This Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a great base that you can add your favorite salad toppings into. Try things like avocado, grilled chicken, nuts, dried fruits, tofu, crispy chickpeas or whatever you fancy.
Still not sold on kale salads?
Let me tell you how easy it is to make.
Start by removing the ribs from the kale and trimming it of any big thick stems {if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, they sell already trimmed kale, which is a nice shortcut} and put it into a large mixing bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients in the bowl and massage the kale salad with your hands for 3 to 4 minutes, until the kale reduces down to half the size you started with. And there you have it…a beautiful, flavorful kale salad.
Sometimes when I make this salad, I feel like I am getting a little bit of therapy by massaging the kale. You get your hands nice and “dirty” with olive oil, lemon and Parmesan.
Your hands smell amazing after you are done and I am telling you, it’s possible you will feel like you had a nice little therapy session. On one of those extra stressful days try it out because you can’t beat free, delicious therapy.
I love using this massaged kale salad as a side for my dinners or as a main dish at lunch. If you make this for lunch try adding things like grilled chicken or salmon, beans like chickpeas, pine nuts or almonds, dried fruit or fresh fruit. The options are endless with this salad.
This simple massaged kale salad works as a great base for so many ingredients!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links; view my Disclosure Policy for details. I earn a small percentage from any purchase you make by clicking on these links. This helps me keep my kitchen stocked with the ingredients I need to create delicious, healthy recipes for you!
A couple of things that will help your salad be spectacular:
Check out these other kale recipes on A Cedar Spoon:
Avocado Kale and Spinach Salad
One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta
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Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is ready in under 5 minutes. This kale salad is simple yet full of flavor from the freshly grated parmesan, lemon, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Serve this as a side to your favorite meal or as lunch.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces raw kale {this equals about 1 bunch of kale but keep in mind that the size of the bunches of kale can vary} ribs removed and discarded
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice {1 large lemon gives me about this much}
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt {or more to taste}
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl put the kale, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, parmesan and salt. Using clean hands start massaging the kale salad and continue to do this for about 3-4 minutes {you want the kale to reduce down to about half of what you started with}. Taste the salad and add pepper and continue to massage for another few seconds. Taste again and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Serve alongside your favorite meal or as lunch.
- Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days {I find it better the first few days}.
Notes
If you have a Trader Joes near you, you can buy a 10oz bag of kale that has already been trimmed and the ribs removed.
I like to add additional ingredients to this salad sometimes like grilled chicken or salmon, nuts, fresh or dried fruit or beans.
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
I think the key to eating Kale is massaging it with something acidic. Love how healthy and simple this recipe is.
Julia says
I think you might be right…but then again I always add lemon to mine because I just love lemon that much so I can’t be sure! 🙂
DessertForTwo says
There really is something about kale that has been massaged! I used to not believe it, then I tried it! Thanks for another recipe for it 🙂
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Julia says
I totally agree. Once you try it you realize what all the hype is about! 😉
Chicago Jogger says
Yum – thanks for the kale massaging tips. I haven’t tried it before, but it’s time!
Julia says
Oh it is easy to do and makes the kale nice and soft. Hope you give it a try!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Massaging the kale with the dressing is so important for maximum flavor. Love the lemon dressing too!
Julia says
Yes it is! I love the flavor it adds to the kale.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Girl.. you know I’m totally on board with this!
Julia says
I know you are! So good!
heather @french press says
why have I not massaged my kale before 🙂 this sounds delicious
Julia says
You need to do it! It has become my favorite way to eat kale salads.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Thank you for sharing this lovely salad – I love giving kale a good massage, bonus that the oils really soften my hands 😉
Julia says
Thanks Erin! I agree!
Jessica @ Stuck On Sweet says
What? This is new to me! Can’t wait to massage my kale! 🙂
Julia says
Haha…you will love it Jess! I kept hearing about it but never tried it. So glad I did.
Marcia says
A restaurant in my neck ‘o the woods called Brimstone does a version of this that is sensational: the kale is chopped *very* fine and topped with a garlic lemon-lime dressing. I want to try to make it at home. Thank you!
Julia says
That sounds similar to this and wonderful! I love this easy kale salad so much. I hope you like it!
Barb K says
Would it be 10 oz of kale with the stems still on, or after removal? Thanks!
Julia says
I used a bag of kale which had the stems off so my guess is you would need more kale if you are using the whole kale.