Massaged Kale Salad with Farro Cranberries Hazelnuts and Apple

I'm back with another kale salad! 

I know that some people think you're lying if you say you like kale, but Marshall and I really do like it. We don't only eat it because it's healthy. Of course that's a big motivating factor, but we also like it's taste. Though many say it's tough, I actually like it's texture, especially after it has a massage. Everyone is more pleasant after a massage, right? Same goes for kale. Give it a try!

If you've never had farro before I'd definitely recommend trying it. Trader Joe's sells a 10 minute farro, which is what I used, and it's delicious. It has a nice chewy texture and a nutty flavor. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that a 1/2 cup serving has 10 grams of protein! For our Christmas breakfast this year we had crispy farro cakes topped with poached eggs that were delicious. The paleo diet intrigues me, but I would never choose it unless it became necessary because of grains like farro. So tasty!

This salad is full of textures and flavors. From the crunchy hazelnuts to the crisp apples to the chewy farro and cranberries, you get quite a variety here. And in my mind, nothing goes better with a big ole salad than a big ole piece of homemade bread. 

Massaged Kale Salad with Farro Cranberries Hazelnuts and Apple

Ingredients:
1 medium bunch of kale, massaged - 6-8 cups after it's been massaged
1/2 cup farro, cooked - measured before cooking
1/2 a large sweet potato, cooked (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts - or any nut that you'd prefer
1 medium apple, diced
Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tahini
1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
salt to taste

Directions:
Put all the kale into a large bowl and sprinkle it with salt. Massage the kale for at least three minutes or until darker green and tender. This can be done at any point in the day, even the day before.

Cook the farro according to package directions. Put all ingredients for the dressing in a small jar and shake until combine.

Toss all the ingredients together, including the dressing, and serve.


Here are the links to my other kale salads.

Massaged Kale Salad with Lentils Sweet Potatoes and Caramelized Onions

Fruity Kale Salad with Chicken Bacon and Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing