Description
Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish combining crisp kale with zesty lemon juice and nutty Parmesan cheese. This nutritious and easy-to-prepare salad works beautifully as a light meal, side dish, or a versatile option year-round, offering bright flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale (curly or Lacinato), washed and ribs removed, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Toasted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts), 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prep Your Kale: Thoroughly wash the kale leaves and remove the tough stems. Tear or chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of sea salt until it wilts slightly and feels tender to reduce bitterness and soften the texture.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well emulsified, bright, and flavorful.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Pour the lemon dressing over the massaged kale and toss thoroughly, ensuring every leaf is coated. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously on top and toss gently again to mix the cheese evenly throughout the salad.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper. For extra texture and flavor, consider sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes or adding your favorite toasted nuts.
Notes
- Massage kale before dressing to soften fibers and reduce bitterness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy salad.
- Chill salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Add nuts or seeds just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg