Easy Massaged Kale Salad with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
This easy massaged kale salad is tossed with a creamy sun-dried tomato garlic dressing for a healthy, flavorful 20-minute side dish or light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 5 MINUTES
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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6 cups fresh kale, trimmed and torn
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup bell pepper strips (red, yellow, and/or orange)
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6 teaspoons slivered almonds, toasted
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing:
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¼ cup boiling water
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3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
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1 roasted garlic clove
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⅔ cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2½ teaspoons olive oil
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Place chopped sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes to soften.
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Transfer tomatoes and soaking liquid to a blender. Add roasted garlic, buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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In a large bowl, combine kale, olive oil, and salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale for about 2 minutes until softened and slightly reduced in volume.
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Divide kale among serving bowls. Top with bell pepper strips and toasted almonds.
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Drizzle each serving with about 1 tablespoon of the creamy sun-dried tomato dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Massaging kale reduces bitterness and improves texture.
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Store extra dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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For a dairy-free version, substitute unsweetened almond milk + 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for buttermilk.
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Add grilled chicken or white beans to make it a full meal.