Massaged Kale Salad with Radishes and Golden Raisins

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 12, 2020

Would think I’m crazy if I said massaging kale was therapeutic? Or maybe you think I’m crazy because I just admitted that I massage a vegetable….. :) Yes, they are both true and if you try this recipe you will know exactly what I’m talking about!

It’s really a win-win situation with this technique. For me, massaging the kale is not only therapeutic and relaxing, but it also becomes more digestible for the tummy. The cellular structure is broken down making it less tough to chew and easier for the body to absorb all the nutrients. It also does wonders for the taste of raw kale which can dance on the side of bitter. When the kale becomes softer and tender, a delicate sweetness emerges. My friend Kelli, showed me this website and is totally crazy about kale and all things mighty green, which may be why her Twitter handle is Crazy4Kale. :)

Massaged kale MEET radishes…..

Right now is the peak season for these bright red and zesty vegetables. Picked too late they will be bitter, but right now they almost have a tender loving sweetness to them. You can score huge bunches for $1 to $2 at the Minneapolis Farmers Market! I very thinly sliced them with a mandoline and then chopped them into this salad to give it a bit of a crunch and beautiful color. The golden raisins plump up as they are glossed in the light dressing. I couldn’t help but add a few sunflower seeds too for some added protein.

One of the best things about this salad is you can make it on Monday with the dressing and everything, and it will stay good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Hello healthy lunch!

Massaged Kale Salad with Radishes and Golden Raisins

-1 bunch of kale, julienned
-1/4 t salt
-5 radishes, thinly sliced and then chopped
-1/4 c sunflower seeds
1/4 c golden raisins
-2 T minced basil
-1 green onion, both white and green parts, chopped
– 2 T sunflower oil
-2 T rice wine vinegar
-1/4 t salt
-splash of lemon juice
-1/4 t honey
-crack of black pepper

Wash kale and strip leaves from tough center rib. Let dry, then julienne. Sprinkle 1/4 t salt over kale in a bowl and massage for about 2 minutes, like you are giving someone a nice should rub. It will reduce quite a bit in volume and soften nicely. Add in radishes, sunflower seeds, raisins, basil, and green onion. In small bowl, whisk together sunflower oil, rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and honey. Drizzle over salad and stir in. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper and adjust salt to taste.

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

June 22, 2012

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3 comments

  1. Kate

    I’ve made many a raw kale salad and love how well they hold up. Time to get on that again.

  2. Susan Berkson

    Gonna try this

    • amandapaa

      I love it because it lasts for days! And it is a great way to bring radishes into a dish.