Step 1: PREPARE THE KALE

Before diving into the dressing, it’s essential to prepare the kale properly. Kale’s leaves are tougher and more fibrous than other greens, so it needs a little extra attention to make it tender and enjoyable to eat.

1. Wash and Dry the Kale: Begin by thoroughly washing the kale under cool running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. After washing, dry the kale leaves by patting them with a towel or using a salad spinner to ensure there is no excess moisture left.
2. Remove the Stems: Kale stems can be quite tough and fibrous, so it’s important to remove them. Hold the base of the stem with one hand and gently strip the leafy greens away with the other hand. You can also use a knife to cut the stems off if you prefer.
3. Chop the Kale: Once the stems are removed, stack the leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces. The size of your kale pieces is up to you, but smaller pieces are generally easier to eat and more manageable in the salad.

Step 2: MASSAGE THE KALE

Massaging the kale is a key step in making this salad delicious and tender. Raw kale can be quite tough, but massaging it with olive oil and salt helps to break down the fibers and make it more palatable.

1. Drizzle Olive Oil and Salt: Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
2. Massage the Kale: Using your hands, gently massage the olive oil and salt into the kale for about 2-3 minutes. The leaves will soften and begin to darken in color. You’ll know the kale is properly massaged when it becomes tender to the touch.

Step 3: MAKE THE LEMON-GARLIC DRESSING

While the kale is massaging, prepare the zesty and aromatic lemon-garlic dressing. This dressing will enhance the kale’s flavor and tie all of the ingredients together.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing has emulsified into a smooth consistency.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice. For extra richness, you can add more olive oil. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey or maple syrup.

Step 4: ASSEMBLE THE SALAD

Now that the kale is massaged and the dressing is prepared, it’s time to combine everything.

1. Toss the Kale: Pour the dressing over the massaged kale leaves and toss to combine. Make sure every piece of kale is coated in the dressing, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout the salad.
2. Add Toppings: If you’re using Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds, sprinkle them over the salad and give it a gentle toss to distribute them evenly.
3. Serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. You can serve the salad immediately, but allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes can help the flavors meld together even further.

Step 5: SERVE AND ENJOY

Your Lemon-Garlic Kale Salad is now ready to enjoy! The combination of tangy lemon, bold garlic, and the rich, earthy flavor of kale creates a salad that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Here are a few tips for serving:

• Serve as a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple vegetable stir-fry. It’s a great complement to heartier dishes.
• Make It a Meal: Add some protein to turn this salad into a full meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or quinoa are great additions that will make the salad more substantial.
• Pair with Bread: Serve this salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or red onions, for added freshness and texture.