I feel like kale is a buzzword. Don’t you? Kale implies healthy, earthy, hippie-ness. I also think that people who love kale get a bad rap. Sure, I practice yoga, adore farmers markets, make my own deodorant and enjoy some good kale…but does that really mean I’m that out there?!

After typing out that previous statement, it kind of sounds like it does. But I’m so OK with that. Let’s eat kale!

Kale is absolutely delicious, when prepared correctly. When it’s not…it definitely tastes a bit, earthy and out there. Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods on our planet and is packed with calcium, and antioxidant rich Vitamin A (vision & cell function), Vitamin C (boosts the immune system), and Vitamin K (needed for normal blood clotting, and bone health). Kale is also a good source of copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Yay for kale!

The addition of sweet, ripe mango, lemon, and crunchy pumpkin seeds makes this salad so light, summery, and fresh. Add the nutritious kale and it’s salad perfection!

So, yes kale is earthy and buzzwordy-ish, but it is incredibly beneficial for your body. Give it a chance, please!

Mango Kale Crunch Salad

Serves 2

1 bunch lacinato kale, stalks removed & leaves chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
A few dashes of pink Himalayan salt
2 tsp honey
Freshly ground pepper
1 mango, diced
2 T pepitas

Combine chopped kale, juice of half a lemon, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Now the fun (and very important) part! It’s time to massage the kale. Yes, it needs a really good rub down. Using your fingers, massage oil and lemon juice into kale until it is soft and silky, about 2 minutes. This is key!

Mix together juice of other ½ lemon, honey, and olive oil. Drizzle dressing on top of kale and toss in mango and pepitas. Serve up and enjoy some earthy goodness!