Kale and Avocado Salad

I pretty much make this just as it says. It's a lovely salad and plates real nice too. It's a bit funny to say "massage" the kale, but it makes the kale so much better.

• 1 bunch kale (any variety)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, orange, yellow)
• 1/4 red onion (optional)
• 1/4 bunch parsley or cilantro
• 1 large avocado
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To prepare the salad, rinse the kale well and then tear into bite-sized pieces. Dice the peppers and red onion (if using). Finely chop the herbs and gather the rest of your mise en place.

Place the kale into a large bowl. Slice the avocado in half and pit. Score the inside of each half into a criss-cross pattern and scoop out the avocado. Add to the bowl of kale. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Using your hands, massage the avocado into the kale for 1 to 2 minutes. Then either toss with the diced peppers and onions, or plate the kale and add the remaining ingredients afterwards. Adding them afterwards keeps their color nice and bright. If adding the peppers and onions afterwards, be sure to season them with a little oil, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Note: Feel free to play around with this salad—add your favorite nuts, seeds, herbs and/or vegetables.