With the new year upon us, health and fitness is likely top of mind. Taking that into consideration, I decided now would be the right time to share my addictive massaged kale salad. As the name implies, this recipe is seasonal, really tasty (like, really tasty), and good for you, too. You don't often see the words "addictive" and "kale" in the same sentence but I'm not exaggerating with this one. I served this salad at my Christmas party last month and don't think I've ever gotten so many recipe requests for such a healthy dish!
The massaged kale salad recipe you see today is exactly as I made it then, which is for a crowd, so feel free to scale it back to fit into your own routine. Also, I like spice and heat in my savory dishes so you might want to play with the amount of crushed red pepper in the salad dressing if you don't. This dressing in this recipe is very similar to the one I shared in my better homemade salads guide a while back and that's because the components are still such great go-tos. Apple cider vinegar, raw honey, oil, and herbs and spices are all it takes for an impactful and memorable flavor. The dressing is also key in setting off the texture of this salad. Lots of folks avoid kale because it has a more hardy texture than say baby spinach or butter lettuce. But it is so good for you!
I usually chop kale for a salad and use a flavorful (but not rich) dressing to get over the texture. This time, I did both then marinated the leaves in the dressing for a few hours while I got everything ready for the party. Truthfully, you only need about an hour or so but the longer you let the dressing work its magic, the softer and more palatable your kale will be. Even overnight is ok. The texture and appearance will mimic steamed or blanched greens and a couple of my party guests asked if this massaged kale salad was cooked. That's how tender it becomes. 🙂
Once you're ready to serve, add in the remaining salad ingredients, toss, and that's it. I hope you'll try out this massaged kale salad and love it as much as my friends and I do. You might also like my crunchy kale salad or grilled sesame chicken with arugula and beets. Thanks for reading!
Kale, pecans, apples, blue cheese, and dried cranberries all massaged in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar I use the kind with the mother
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons crushed red pepper
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 bunches kale washed and chopped
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 2 pears chopped
- Mix dressing ingredients until uniform then pour over top of kale. Using your hands, toss and squeeze kale to ensure it is well coated with dressing then cover and let sit for at least one hour. Be aware that the dressing will draw out liquid from the kale.
- Mix in remaining salad ingredients and serve. Store any uneaten salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Kaylyn Johnson says
This looks so yummy. I’ve never tried kale, so this would be a fun recipe to try! Thanks for sharing!
Jazz says
Thanks, Kaylyn! This is a great way to get into kale.
Carolyn says
Wow, this looks insanely delicious! I will have to try this one. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year!
Arie says
I’m making this!!! Very doable, simple, and yummy!!!
Kris says
Looks delicious! Perfect way to get the healthy eating goals underway and not feel like you’re depriving yourself. Great post 🙂
Jazz says
Thanks for reading, Kris! It definitely doesn't feel like you're depriving yourself. 🙂
Tammy says
What other cheese could you use as we don't like blue cheese.
Jazz says
Hi, Tammy. You could try feta instead or leave the cheese out altogether, if you prefer!
livewellplaytogether says
This looks delicious and so healthy! Great for parties!
Mariah says
This is such a pretty dish to serve! Super simple too!
Mariah
http://www.likehoneyblog.com
Anna says
I love it! So far I've only used kale in green smoothies but thanks to your post, I'm going to try it in a salad! It sounds like a very delicious recipe. I pinned your post for later. Thank you 🙂
Gabriella says
wow, this looks and sounds soo good! Thanks for sharing. The dressing sounds amazing too!
Jazz says
Thanks, Gabriella! The dressing is what really makes this salad.
Dodie says
One of my favorite kale salad recipes is this one. And I add other things in the salad if I don’t have fruit. Tomato and avocado is great in here (minus the cranberries). Or I’ve used apple instead of pear. Last night, I had a few sweet peppers left over from another recipe so those went in, too, with a bit of celery. And can we talk about that dressing?!? WOW! I use it on all salads, any kind. This is my go-to salad recipe.
Jazz says
So glad to hear that, Dodie! This is a definitely a versatile salad.
Rachel says
I NEEEEEED this salad in my life!! <3
PS. I've gone from bookmarking your recipes to finally just subscribing 🙂 Your blog is bomb.com
Jazz says
Thanks so much, Rachel! I hope you love this salad. 🙂
Aliisfun says
Made This for my Meal Prep lunch for this week and it's AMAZING 🙂 so tasty! Any suggestions for how to add some protein into this salad? I'm obsessed with it now
Jazz says
Hi--so glad you're enjoying the salad! For additional protein, I would add something like this orange maple chicken breast, chopped hard-boiled egg, or maybe some walnuts.
Nzingah says
Jazz you hit it out of the park with this one. I never liked kale until now. I will be making this weekly! Thanks so much!!
Jazz says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this salad! I’m eating it for lunch all week!
Courtney says
Hi Jazz!!
Made this today and it was SO good!!!! Does the salad dressing need to be refrigerated after it’s made if we want to make more to save some?
Jazz says
Hey, Courtney! So glad you love the salad. Yes, I recommend refrigerating the extra dressing. Because of the honey, you might need to let it come closer to room temperature before the next time you using as it might get too thick. Hope this helps.
Shani says
Wow, I’m definitely one of the people who have been afraid of kale! I have to try this recipe it looks amazing!
renia Butler says
This Kale recipe was not only easy but oh-so-delicious. Worth the 5 stars for sure!
Katrina Adams says
This kale salad was delicious and the perfect side dish!!
Jazz says
Thanks, Renia and thanks for stopping by!
Portia Gorman says
I just started getting into kale salads- I avoided them before because I thought they'd be bitter but to my surprise everyone in our family LOVES them and I can't wait to put your spin on the kale salad sis . I always love your recipes thank you.
Desirée says
Addictive is the PERFECT way to describe this salad! I don’t even do kale like that, but I def will be thanks to this recipe!
Immaculate Ruému says
Marinating the kale is such a great tip. I love how tasty and rich this salad is.
Mila says
I'm obsessed with this massaged kale recipe! It's sweet, tangy, filling and I especially love that the texture of the kale is softer. Love great salads like this!
Eric & Shanna Jones says
When I saw the word "addictive" I knew this salad was going to be great! We loved it and allowing the kale to marinate in the dressing was genius! So good!
Andi says
We love this salad! I typically use feta in it instead of blue cheese and cute the dressing down to 1/3 cup of each and 2 cloves of garlic since I use one bunch of kale for our family. It ends up being the perfect amount for this delicious salad.
Marta says
I was already sold on the kale salad, but when I tasted it with the blue cheese and cranberries, it became my new favorite. Lunch will never be the same.
Jazz says
That cranberry and blue cheese combo is what gets you hooked! Thanks for stopping by, Marta.
Capri says
Okay, this salad is definitely addictive! I love the massaged kale! It just bring out all the deliciousness and gives the make the perfect texture! Great recipe
Chef Mireille says
This is such a healthy salad. I loved it and such a great staple salad to enjoy all year round.
Jazz says
Yes! I love mixing in seasonal ingredients--currently stone fruit--to enjoy this salad throughout the year. Thanks for stopping by, Mireille!