My Lucky New Year's Foods (part 2): Easy Kale Guacamole Salad

So, this is second part of my lucky New Year foods. Greens are one of the lucky New Year foods I mentioned in Part 1. Everything I've seen mentions cooked greens because of the way the folded leaves resemble money, but I'm really into this particular salad right now, and well.... greens are greens, right?

The key to a more flavorful and tender salad is to massage¹ the kale. This helps to break down the fiber and allow the avocado dressing to really incorporate and permeate the leaves.
Even with the massage session, this salad is really quick and simple to make. If you're short on time and looking for a nutrient-dense and filling meal, this salad is for you.

Easy Kale Guacamole Salad
(serves 2-4)

• 1 Bunch Curly Kale (Dinosaur/Lacinato is fine as well)
• 2 Ripe Medium Avocados
• 1/2 Medium Cucumber (preferably organic & unwaxed) 
• 4 Campari Tomatoes (or 3 Roma/2 medium "globe" tomatoes)
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Granulated Garlic
• 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
• Pinch of Cayenne (optional)
• Sea Salt to taste
• 1/4 Cup Filtered Water or So Delicious^® Unsweetened Coconut Milk or your favorite raw nutmilk (you may want to avoid stronger-flavored milks like hazelnut)

In a large bowl mash the avocado until smooth, then mix in the cumin, garlic, cayenne, lime juice and salt. Once mixed, add your liquid and mix until smooth.

Rinse the kale and pat dry (or use a salad spinner). Remove the leafy parts from the tough stalk and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add the kale to the avocado mixture.

Cut the cucumber in half, lengthwise. Take half; cut it in half, lengthwise again, and slice into approx. 1/4" slices. Do the same with the other half.
Dice the tomato or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Before adding your cukes and tomatoes to the other ingredients, get messy.²
Yep. Smoosh your hands right into the kale-avocado mixture and massage that kale; really knead the avocado in, the way you would knead dough.

Once you've worked the kinks out of your kale, add the remaining veggies and toss together until everything is fully coated with the avocado mixture. Add any additional salt or pepper to taste, serve and enjoy!

Create a Fabulous Day New Year!

1. Doesn't the kale deserve it? Being a nutritional powerhouse is hard work.
2. Just make sure your hands are clean.