Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 9 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad that combines tender massaged kale with a zesty lemon and garlic dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and generous freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy side dish or light meal with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and crisp flavors.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salad

  • 4 cups curly kale, washed, dried, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale: If using a bunch of curly kale, wash the leaves thoroughly, dry them using a salad spinner or paper towels, and remove the leaves from the tough stems. Finely chop the kale leaves and place them in a medium-large bowl.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Massage the kale: Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of the dressing over the chopped kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves until the leaves darken in color and become tender and silky. This process helps to soften the kale and infuse it with bright flavor.
  4. Toss the salad: Add the remaining dressing to the bowl and toss the kale to evenly coat all the leaves with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the tossed salad. To get a nice distribution of cheesy bites, finely grate the Parmesan with a box grater and then roughly chop it into smaller bits for a sprinkle effect.
  6. Prepare crouton topping: Place croutons in a plastic bag or between two paper towels. Using the bottle of olive oil, gently crush the croutons into small, panko-sized pieces. Sprinkle these crispy crouton bits over the salad as a crunchy topping.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad immediately to appreciate the contrast of the tender kale with the crispy crouton topping and zesty dressing.

Notes

  • Massaging the kale is key to soften its fibrous texture and enhance the flavors.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Crushing croutons into smaller pieces creates a delightful crunchy topping throughout the salad.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the croutons crispy.
  • You can substitute curly kale with other types such as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale if desired.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/lemon-parmesan-kale-salad-recipe/