Spa Salad? (Massaged Kale Salad)
Before we get full on into lettuce season, we can get by with using those “cooking” greens in the salad bowl. Many of you have heard about “massaged” kale salads, and that’s great if you want to go to the trouble (remember to use olive oil, not massage oil), but another simple solution is to shred your greens and dress them ahead–you can use collards, kale, pac choi, napa or regular cabbage, or Swiss chard. Or all of those.
Preparation
Use whatever greens you have in whatever combination you choose. Shred any combo of greens and mix with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, or your favorite dressing. Refrigerate for 1/4 to one hour, depending on how tough the greens are and how soft you like them. Add in any lettuce, shoots and all your favorite salad toppings–carrots, cucumber, radishes, steamed beets, chevre, pecans, fresh/dried fruit, and toss with a little extra dressing.
The texture of the greens makes for a nice chewy, hearty salad. Shredding them helps break down the toughness of the greens and pre-dressing helps soften them further–without the need for massage. Save that for yourself.