Massaged Kale Salad

Level of Difficulty: Massage skills a plus, but not required
Pots/Pans Used: 2

Ingredients

8 cups kale (destemmed and then ripped into bite-size pieces)
couscous
mozzarella Daiya cheese (optional)
bacon bits (optional)

For The Dressing

1 cup Vegan Mayonnaise
1/2-3/4 cup Unsweetened Soy Milk
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Oregano
3 Tbl Nutritional Yeast
1/2 tsp Soy Sauce



Although I love eating massaged kale salads, I've never actually attempted being a kale masseuse myslef. Essentially, by massaging the kale, you are naturally breaking it down so that it is less tough, and easier to eat. Feel free to add more veggies into the mix. I would have loved to mix in some shredded carrots, however my produce drawer was really lacking the day I made this. Also know that you don't have to use all the dressing if you don't want to. It just depends on how creamy you'd like your kale salad to be. The dressing keeps well in the fridge to use in other recipes as well.

Start by combining all dressing ingredients except for the milk in a bowl. My recommendation is that you add the milk gradually because you may need more or less depending on what type of mayo you use. Whisk together until your dressing is the consistency of a ranch dressing. Put in the fridge to thicken up a bit while you make the rest of the salad. Start making your couscous. I made a box of couscous and ended up using about 1-1/2 to 2 cups. I recommend starting the salad once the couscous has finished cooking. Prep the kale and then place it in a large bowl. Add the dressing a little at a time. Massage thoroughly with your hands. You will see that the pile of kale will reduce in size by about half once it begins to break down. Once your kale is all relaxed and you've got it as creamy as you like, toss in the couscous and a sprinkling of bacon bits & mozzarella. The great thing about this salad is that it actually gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to keep it in the fridge and use as a side throughout the week!