A Dash of Healthy: New Year, New Salad

With the start of a new year, it seems that every magazine, food blog and even radio show is trying to push the idea of a new, better you. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with wanting to eat more clean foods to get rid of that holiday sluggishness (I know my clothes aren’t fitting as loosely as I’d like), going on a full on detox is not ideal for students who also need to be able to focus on school.

Instead, go for a clean option that packs all the vitamins and health benefits you’re seeking, without skimping on calories or taste: a MASSAGED KALE NICOISE SALAD.  With plenty of calcium and iron from the massaged kale greens, and protein from the egg and tuna, this salad is a complete meal with staying power.

What you’ll need:

4 large leaves Lacinato kale, ripped off the stem and torn into bite size pieces
1/2 can tuna
1 hard boiled egg
1 small handful capers
2 tsp olive oil
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 spoonful Dijon mustard
light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese grated to a powder
any other vegetables you might want to add

What to do:

1. Place kale pieces in a medium sized bowl. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Massage the juice and the oil into the leaves thoroughly, as though you were kneading bread.

2. Add all other ingredients and stir to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the lemon juice to further soften the kale.

3. Enjoy!