Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing: The tangy lemon juice and rich parmesan create a balanced flavor profile that’s both satisfying and energizing.
- Healthy and filling: Curly kale is packed with nutrients, and the addition of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan enhances the taste without overwhelming the salad.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is a great choice for a fast, healthy meal or side dish.
- Versatile: Perfect on its own, or as a side to grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a more complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 bunches curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Massage the Kale
- Add the chopped kale to a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Massage the leaves with your hands for 1-2 minutes, gently rubbing and squeezing until the kale darkens and softens. This helps break down the tough fibers and makes the kale more tender and easier to digest.
Step 2: Add Croutons
- Crush or finely chop the croutons and add them to the bowl with the kale. This adds a nice crunch and texture to the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the kale and croutons.
- Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss everything together until the kale is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days for a make-ahead option.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts or seeds: For extra crunch, add toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Fruit: Toss in some dried cranberries, apple slices, or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
- Vegan option: Omit the parmesan or use a vegan parmesan substitute to make the salad completely plant-based.
- Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to turn the salad into a filling main dish.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The kale will continue to soften, but it will still taste great!
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat.
FAQs
1. How do I store leftover kale salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The kale will soften, but the flavors will continue to meld.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepped ahead of time. You can massage the kale and prepare the dressing in advance, but wait until just before serving to add the croutons and parmesan to keep them fresh.
3. Can I use a different type of kale?
Curly kale is ideal for this recipe because of its texture, but you can use other varieties like lacinato (dinosaur) kale if you prefer. Just be sure to remove the stems and massage it well.
4. Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, store-bought croutons are a quick and easy addition, but homemade croutons are always a delicious option for extra flavor.
5. How do I make the croutons?
To make your own croutons, cube day-old bread and toss it with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
6. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free croutons or omit them altogether, this salad will be gluten-free.
7. How can I make the salad spicier?
For some heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the salad.
8. How do I know when the kale is properly massaged?
The kale should darken in color and soften. It will become more tender and easier to chew, with a more pleasant texture.
9. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can swap the parmesan for any hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, or use a vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
10. Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, you can add grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or chickpeas to the salad to make it a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad is a simple, refreshing, and healthy salad that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With its bright flavors, crunchy texture, and nutrient-packed kale, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish to any meal. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and can be made in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy days when you want something quick but satisfying!
Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad is a fresh, zesty, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With massaged curly kale, bright lemon juice, savory parmesan, and crunchy croutons, this salad is full of flavor and texture. It’s quick to prepare, gluten-free, and a hit with even the pickiest eaters—making it an ideal side dish or lunch option!
Ingredients
2 bunches curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Massage the Kale – Add the chopped kale to a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 1-2 minutes until the kale darkens and softens.
- Step 2: Add Croutons – Crush or finely chop the croutons and add them to the bowl with the kale.
- Step 3: Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 4: Assemble the Salad – Pour the dressing over the kale and croutons. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss until well combined.
- Step 5: Serve – Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
Variations: Add nuts or seeds for crunch, fruit for sweetness, or use a vegan parmesan substitute for a plant-based version. You can also add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
