Marinated Kale Salad w/ Sundried Tomato Recipe

A SpaJuiceBar Favorite

Introduction

When I first introduced this salad at SpaJuiceBar, I wanted people to experience how powerful raw food could be, alive, flavorful, and healing. Over the years, this dish has become a reminder that nourishment begins in simplicity. A few wholesome ingredients, a mindful touch, and time to let the flavors come together, that’s the essence of this salad.

The Marinated Kale Salad became a customer favorite at SpaJuiceBar. People marveled at how tender the greens were and how beautifully the flavors were infused. This isn’t a bland or ordinary salad; instead, it’s rich in flavor and nourishing.

Kale isn’t a vegetable most people think to eat raw. Its fibrous leaves can feel tough and unyielding. But at SpaJuiceBar, we learned that the secret lies in the massage, a simple, loving technique that transforms kale into something soft and tender. The process of massaging the leaves with olive oil and salt tenderizes them, unlocking their vibrant green color and flavor.

Once marinated, the kale absorbs every nuance of the dressing, becoming a dish full of life. It’s raw, pure, and delicious—the kind of food that tastes good and makes you feel good from the inside out.

Recipe and Ingredients

Marinade (in a separate bowl, combine)

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped scallions (white parts only)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Kale

• 2 large bunches of kale
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a separate bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.           
2. Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Strip the kale from the stems. It’s best to use a vegetable spinner to remove excess water; the kale needs to be thoroughly dry.  Save the stems: add them to your favorite smoothie or juice them with apple and lemon. Kale, apple, and lemon juice are delicious and pair beautifully with this salad.   
3. Massage the kale: Place the kale in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Massage the kale with your hands until the leaves soften and deepen in color. Taste as you go and continue massaging until you reach your preferred tenderness—the longer you massage, the more tender the greens become.  Also, when you add the marinade, the kale will soften a bit more from the dressing.           
4. Combine: Pour the marinade over the kale and toss until the leaves are evenly coated.                                                                                                                                        
5. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—but overnight is best.              
6. Serve and enjoy: Give it a gentle toss before serving.

Tips

• The massage is essential, don’t skip it! It’s what gives the kale that soft, luscious texture.
• For a complete raw meal, pair the salad with fresh kale, apple, and lemon juice. A delicious and healthy combination.

Enjoy this recipe as a symbol of pure, grounded wellness, and may it inspire you to slow down and savor each bite.