Kale Avocado Salad

Kale has become quite trendy lately, turning up in various forms everywhere from supermarkets to farmer's markets to restaurant menus. This new surge in kale popularity is something I am quite excited about because I have always loved kale. Usually, I will saute or steam kale and have as a side dish for dinner. Sometimes I like to bake it into lovely little crispy kale chips. However, my new favorite use for kale is to prepare it raw in a salad. It's super easy to prepare and so delicious.

I know what you're thinking: "kale...raw? isn't that a bit, you know, tough..?" Well, don't fret, when kale is taken off the stalk and cut into small strips, it looks, tastes, and acts just like a chopped salad made with lettuce. The avocado in this recipe is also mixed into kale, softening the texture. The almonds add an extra crunch and the apples bring a little bit of sweetness to the table. This is a good salad. And, trust me, with all of the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy fats packed into this one dish, you will want to make it a regular fixture at your dinner table.

Kale Avocado Salad with Apples and Almonds
Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as an entree (just top with some grilled chicken or salmon!)

Materials

1 head kale, washed and leaves removed from stems
1 avocado
1 apple
1 lemon
1 T olive oil
2 T sliced almonds

Methods

1. Slice the kale leaves (which have been removed from the stems) into 1/4-1/2" strips. Add the sliced kale leaves to a medium sized bowl.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Cube the avocado and put it in the bowl. Now this is the fun part- use your hands to mash the avocado into the kale leaves. This will soften the kale and mix the avocado around so that it is almost like a dressing covering the kale.
3. Slice the apple into 1/2" by 1/2" strips lengthwise, so that you have thin, vertical pieces of apple. Add this to the bowl.
4. Add the juice of 1/2 to 1 whole lemon, depending on how much of a citrus taste you prefer. I used one whole lemon. Add the olive oil next and mix all of the ingredients together. Again, I like to do this part with my hands.
5. Portion the salad out and top with the sliced almonds.

Bon appetit!!