Kale salad is everywhere.
And despite what some haters might have you believe, kale salad can absolutely be delicious.
Because kale is tougher and more bitter than other leafy greens, it needs more TLC during prep.
Andrew Purcell; Carrie Purcell
Both types are good, but for different purposes.
(He likes to combine it with citrus segments and vinaigrettes).
The worst thing to find in a kale salad is big chunks of chewy, woody stems.
Dana and John Shultz via minimalistbaker.com
Otherwise youll have a hard time getting the dressing to adhere.
Weve all eaten a kale salad with giant leaves.
Its not cute, and, per Carbone, you shouldnt need a knife to eat a salad.
Dana and John Shultz via minimalistbaker.com
(Cueller uses a food processor.
Personally, we feel safer sticking to a knife.)
It really gets into all those nooks and crannies, he says.
Erin Alderson via naturallyella.com
Not a fan of Caesar?
Buttermilk dressings are another great option.
Or, if youre using lacinato instead of curly, alight vinaigrettetastes great, too.
Gena Hamshaw via thefullhelping.com
Yes, we are telling you to massage your kale.
It sounds silly, but it works wonders.
Youll know youre done when the leaves are bright green and soft.
Andrew Purcell; Carrie Purcell
If youre using an oil-based vinaigrette, you might just massage that right into the kale.
For creamy dressings, massage the kale first, then toss it with the dressing after.
Add your dressing about half an hour before you plan to eat, says Cuellar.
That way the acid in whichever dressing youre using has time to break down the kale.
Finally, add the rest of your ingredients, mix it all up, and dig in.
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Try out our tips in one of these ideas.
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