Have I mentioned that I love kale? Oh yes I have – here and here. What’s not to love about a leafy green? They are chock full of nutrients – including chlorophyll – which reduces inflammation in the body and maintains bone health. Don’t forget about all of the live enzymes in raw leafy greens that can speed up cellular regeneration, providing us with energy and making us feel younger! And greens also are a excellent source of calcium and iron – we can all use more of those!
I’ve learned a lot recently about nutrition from an amazing book called Whole Foods to Thrive, written by Brendan Brazier. Brendan is an Ironman triathlete, a 50k Ultra Marathon winner, and the creator of Vega – a line of whole food nutritional products. You could say he is a plant-based nutrition guru.
Whole Foods to Thrive has an abundance of delicious and healthy recipes. I’ve been having fun trying out new things that the whole family has enjoyed. Below is one of my favorites, which has been adapted from Brendan’s recipe on p. 159 of the book.
AVOCADO KALE SALAD
Time – 1o mins, Makes 2 large servings or 4 small
1 head of kale, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1-2 green onions, finely sliced
1 lemon, juiced (you may want to start with half a lemon, and add the rest of the juice to taste, depending on how lemony you want it)
1 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together with your hands (yes, it is messy but FUN). Squeeze as you mix, thereby creaming the avocado and wilting the kale Serve right away. Did you know that by wilting the kale, you are softening it, making it easier to chew and also to digest? YUM! I sprinkled some hemp seeds on mine before eating, adding protein and omega-3s and 6s!
November 22, 2011 at 7:05 pm
I love kale too! I’ve never tried using avocado in a raw kale salad before… but It looks amazing! Way healthier than all those fattening creamy dressings!
November 22, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Yes! I just love how avocado is creamy and delicious in a totally healthy way. Bye bye mayonnaise – who needs you?
November 22, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I made this salad as a side with dinner tonight. It was super easy to make and VERY fun to squish (not to mention very tasty)! Thanks for posting 🙂
November 22, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Yay! So glad you liked it AND had fun making it.
November 26, 2011 at 10:36 pm
I love kale, and I love avocado, yet I don’t think I’ve ever combined them. Thanks for the inspiration!