Massaged Kale Salad
I'm a firm believer in the benefits of regular massage. According to a recent article in The Huffington Post, massage can help reduce anxiety and depression, ease pain, improve sleep, and boost your immunity. It has also been shown to increase alertness and curb headaches. Massaged Kale Salad may not be as wonderfully relaxing as the real deal; however, you're certain to be less stressed after just a few bites.
- 4 cups curly kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
- 2 avocados, pitted
- 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Sunflower seed kernels, optional
- Pepitas, optional
Place kale in a large bowl. Scoop out flesh from avocados, and add to kale.
Use your hands to massage avocado into kale so that leaves are well coated. (When finished, you’ll probably want to lick your fingers. If you do, be sure you wash your hands before proceeding.
Add tomatoes, lemon juice, basil, and salt. Stir well.
- Sprinkle sunflower seed kernels and/or pepitas, on top of each serving, if desired.
- Add 1 (15-ounce) can drained chickpeas.
- Massage only one avocado into kale leaves, and cut the other one into small cubes to toss with the cherry tomatoes.