Ingredients
Kale
- 2 Bunches Curly Kale
Toppings
- 1 Cup Croutons
- 1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Remove and discard the kale stems, then wash the leaves thoroughly under cold water. Place the cleaned kale leaves in a large bowl to prepare for massaging.
- Massage the kale: Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the kale. Using your hands, massage the salt into the leaves gently until they soften and darken in color, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
- Add the croutons: Chop or crush the croutons finely into smaller pieces and add them to the softened kale in the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced or crushed garlic, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended into a cohesive dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the kale and croutons. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the salad.
- Serve and store: Serve the salad immediately for best flavor and texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be enjoyed chilled within 2-3 days.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens the tough leaves and improves digestibility.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using garlic-infused olive oil in the dressing.
- The salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
