For me, salads happen all year 'round. In fact, I aim to have a salad a day because I know that my body feels it's best when I do. For others, salads are more geared towards summertime when weather is warmer. They are light, refreshing and with farmers markets popping up all over - the colorful ingredients are easy to grab almost anywhere you go!
No matter how or when you have your salad there is no denying how powerful a bowl of greens is to your health. Greens provide vital nutrients and minerals including vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants - and the darker the greens, the better! When topped with other nutrient-rich fruits, veggies, seeds and protein you are providing your body with a well balanced meal that helps you stay fuller longer and supports healthy digestion, weight and overall health. This past weekend, I traveled with my kids down to visit my family in New Jersey. It was the first time in a year that we were all together and it was the best. We enjoyed the beach, the boardwalk, watching the kids play in the sprinkler, lots of baby snuggles (2020 brought my family 3 new babies!!) and a lot of good food. I whipped up a kale salad one night for dinner and it has been on repeat ever since (we had it twice over the weekend alone!). It was so easy to make - with minimal ingredients - and even my non-kale eating family members ate it up. Kale is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It contains protein, vitamins A, C and K and so much more to fuel your body right. When massaged with olive oil, as this recipe calls for, it takes away it's natural bitterness of the kale making this the perfect salad for just about anyone.
Massaged Kale Salad (serves 6-8)
6-8 c. kale
2 T. olive oil
4 T. grated parmesan cheese
2 - 3 c. corn
1/2 t. each: salt, pepper and garlic powder
1 T. Balsamic dressing
Add kale to a large salad bowl and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Massage with hands until kale is covered and a dark green color (about 2 minutes). Add corn and parmesan and toss until mixed well.
Drizzle with balsamic dressing, toss, top with your favorite salad toppers such as almonds, avocado, seeds, etc. and serve. {I made this a second time with about 2 c. roasted sweet potatoes instead of corn and it was equally as delicious!} Enjoy all the freshness and healthy benefits this salad has to offer and don't forget to tag me on Instagram (@wellnesswithabbeyh) - I love to see your creations!