Raw Kale Salad with Pomegranate & Pumpkin Sees

This salad is a delicious way to incorporate dark green leafy vegetables into your diet. Kale helps to balance the pH or alkalize our body. Foods that are high on the alkaline scale have been proven to help with digestion, promote longevity, and regulate weight.

Ingredients

Salad

2 bunches kale ( about 8 cups chopped)

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, toasted

½ cup thinly sliced red onion

¼ cup chopped cilantro

½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Dressing

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

¼ cup lemon juice

1 T maple syrup

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

½ t sea salt

Directions

To prepare the salad, rinse and pat dry the kale and remove the tough ribs that run along the middle, then finely chop the leaves into ½ “ pieces. Place the  prepared kale in a large bowl and set aside.

To make the dressing, whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the chopped kale. Massage the kale with clean hands for about 2-3 minutes ( this helps to break down the kale and release the natural enzymes). Set the kale aside to rest for about 10 minutes.

Add the toasted pumpkin seeds, onion, and cilantro and toss together. Top with the pomegranate seeds and serve immediately.