Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
User Reviews
5
Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
Description
The Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad features finely chopped curly kale dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Massaging the kale with a small amount of dressing until the leaves darken softens the green and creates a silky texture. The assembled salad is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a nutty, salty depth, and croutons that are crushed into panko-size pieces for a light, crisp topping dispersed throughout the salad. This preparation method highlights the freshness of the kale while offering a balance between tender leaves and crunchy accents.
This salad works well as a side dish or a light starter and pairs nicely with grilled meats or seafood. The bright lemon dressing brightens the bold flavor of the kale, making the salad feel fresh and vibrant. Serving it right away preserves the crispiness of the crouton topping and the vibrancy of the flavors.
The recipe yields about four one-cup servings, making it suitable for a small group or family meal. Due to the molecular makeup of kale, massaging it is an essential step to maximize palatability. Adjust the seasoning to taste if desired before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups curly kale
- 2 TBSP lemon juice fresh
- 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp garlic fresh, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper or to taste
- ½ cup croutons (homemade or store bought)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- If starting with a bunch of curly kale, wash, dry, and remove leaves from stem.
- Finely chop kale leaves and add to a medium-large bowl.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle a teeny bit (around 1/2 tsp) onto the kale leaves.
- Massage dressing into kale leaves until the leaves darken in color and become tender and silky.
- Toss with remaining dressing and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- P&C Tip: for a little bit of parm in every bite, I like to finely grate the parmesan cheese with a box grater and then roughly chop into smaller bits. Almost like sprinkles but of the cheesy variety, lol!
- Place croutons in a plastic bag or between two paper towels. Use the bottle of olive oil to crush into small panko-sized pieces to sprinkle over the kale salad. The result is a delightfully cripsy topping that is dusted over ever bite of lemon and parmesan kissed kale. Love it so! Enjoy right away while topping is still perfectly cripsy.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately four one-cup servings, appropriate as a side salad or side dish.
- Massaging the kale with dressing until tender enhances the texture and flavor of the salad.
- For a flavorful topping, crush croutons into small pieces and sprinkle over the salad just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and distribute it evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 137kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 297mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 329mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 6742IU | 135% |
| Vitamin C | 83mg | 92% |
| Calcium | 177mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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