I remember the first time that I was told that one needs to “massage kale” before they can eat it. My jaw nearly hit the floor. I was keeping up with two small kiddos, I was running a cattle ranch, I felt like I hadn't slept in years, and I was trying my very best to eat healthy. But this was a step too far. If anyone needed a massage at that very moment… it was me, not my gal pal “kale”. Anyway- the fact of the matter is that kale is a hearty green leaf that is simple to grow, full of all those nutritious things that we read about, and full of delicious flavor. It is true that you have to work with it- but I bring in my other friend “the stand mixer” to do all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of kale (about 1 lb)
• 1 medium butternut (cut into bite sized pieces)
• 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite sized pieces)
• 2 apples (cut to bite sized pieces)
• 15 oz of garbanzo beans, drained
• 5 oz Feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 oz pecans, crushed
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons of salt
• Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °.
2. Roast the butternut and cauliflower on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes or until fork tender.
3. Rip kale off of the stem. Put in a stand mixer with a paddle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a ½ teaspoon of salt. Run the mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes or until the kale has relaxed.
4. Put “relaxed” kale into a large bowl.
5. To the kale bowl add, butternut, cauliflower, apples, beans, feta and pecans.
6. Pour on your favorite dressing. I love adding my Honey Balsamic Dressing.

7. Toss salad, enjoy and let's never discuss kale getting a massage again!   

Check out my reel on Instagram to watch me do the above steps.

Sending much love!

                      Elizabeth 

Photos by: Anna Pata