Ingredients

1 large bunch kale, thoroughly rinsed and dried

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. Italian or herb seasoning 

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 c. tomato paste

1 tsp. granulated sugar (optional) 

1 tsp. ground gochugaru (optional)

1/4 tsp. onion powder

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper 

3 c. cooked rice

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 c. chopped olives

Crumbled feta

Preparation

Step 1Make the massaged kale: Strip kale leaves from the ribs. Tear leaves into 2” bite-sized pieces, then finely dice ribs into ¼” pieces. Transfer leaves and ribs to a large mixing bowl, then add oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and use your hands to massage the oil into the kale until leaves turn slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.Step 2Make the rice: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic, tomato paste, sugar, gochugaru (if using), onion powder, and season with salt and pepper, stirring until tomato paste is lightly caramelized, about 2 minutes. Add rice and stir until tomato paste coats rice evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is warmed through and starting to turn crispy, about 8 minutes.Step 3To serve, add some massaged kale to your plate, then top with a helping of tomato rice. Top with red onion, olives, and feta before serving.

You can adjust this recipe to the ingredients you have on hand, in your fridge, in your pantry. The toppings are all easily swappable with other leftovers (roasted butternut squash? cooked chicken breast?), veggies, cheeses, and crunchy additions. If you don’t have big, chewy grains of brown glutinous rice—my favorite choice of rice in this application—you can use any kind of rice, or even other grains, like farro. If you don’t have kale, use another green leafy number, like arugula or baby spinach—but skip the massaging process for these more tender substitutions to avoid bruising them! If you’ve made this recipe, please drop us a line down below in the comments to let us know how you liked it, and what you customized your salad with!