Description
Bright, savory, and wonderfully crisp, this Garlic Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad is the kind of easy recipe that makes healthy eating feel exciting. Tender kale leaves are massaged with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, then finished with Parmesan and crunchy croutons for a simple side dish that tastes fresh, bold, and satisfying. It is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack plate, or fresh addition to your favorite food ideas and dinner ideas.
Ingredients
6 cups chopped kale
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup croutons
Instructions
1. Wash the kale thoroughly, dry it well, remove the thick stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale and massage the leaves with clean hands for 2 to 3 minutes until the kale softens and darkens slightly.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss until evenly combined.
6. Add the croutons just before serving and toss lightly.
7. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice, Parmesan, or pepper if needed, then serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip massaging the kale, because that step softens the leaves and removes the tough raw texture that can make the salad less enjoyable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 side serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg