This easy massaged kale salad uses lemon juice, olive oil and salt to soften the kale, making a simple and delicious salad drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing.

If you think you don't like kale salads, I'm here to change your mind with this Massaged Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing. I think a lot of people aren't fans of kale salads because if you don't give it a little love, it can be woody, tough and hard to chew. A gentle massage transforms this sturdy winter green into a tender, delicious base for all of your salad toppings. For this recipe, we'll top it with a vegan, creamy tahini dressing that's ridiculously simple to make and so delicious.

Kale is an ideal salad green for creamy dressings as it's sturdy and can handle the weight when coated with thick, delicious goodness. You just need to work the kale a little bit with a massage so that it softens up for that perfect texture. You can also top it with any kind of protein or veggie you like to turn it into a hearty meal. My favorite (pictured) is in a power bowl with some simple roasted salmon, farro and avocado. The best part about kale salad is that you can prep and dress it ahead of time, making it perfect if you meal prep or to bring to a party.

There are many different kinds of kale and you can use whatever kind you like. The only thing I would not recommend is the baby kale that comes in the clamshell containers in the grocery store. Those baby greens are already tender enough. Curly kale and lacinato, or dinosaur kale, are the two most common kinds that you will find in the produce section. I tend to go with lacinato kale but get whatever kind works for you.

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Why do I need to massage the kale for the salad?

I understand that massaging your salad sounds kind of weird. I get it, but trust me. Massaging kale with some fat (olive oil or avocado) and a little salt helps to break down the cell structure so it becomes tender and much easier to digest. It also tastes way better.

The first step in prepping your kale is to strip the leaves from the thick and tough stems. I just take a knife and run it down each side of the stem. Once the stems are removed, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and then it's time to make it relax with a massage.

In a big bowl, drizzle your kale with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch or two of salt. With really clean hands, just go in and gently massage it for 2-3 minutes until tender. The volume will decrease significantly and it will look kind of shiny when it's ready. Super easy!

Pick up some kale from you local market and join me at Middlebury Farms, Inc. in this video where I show you my method for preparing kale for any kind of salad. I swear, you'll like it!

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What do I need to make the Creamy Tahini Dressing?

Tahini - Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a staple in many cuisines, especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It’s vegan, gluten-free, tastes nutty and it's delicious. You can find it in pretty much any grocery store either in the ethnic foods aisle or by the nut butters. It's a pantry staple for me.

Honey - just a little bit of honey gives the dressing some sweetness. If you're vegan, you can substitute maple syrup.

Olive Oil - olive oil adds a bit of richness and more flavor to the dressing. The ingredients are simple so use good olive oil. I always go with The Furies. It's my favorite and I'm spoiled.

Lemon - fresh lemon juice adds a pop of acidity and brightness.

Garlic - always.

Salt - a few pinches.

Water - a few tablespoons of water will thin it out so that you can easily drizzle or toss your greens with the dressing.