Description
A refreshing and zesty Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad featuring tender massaged kale, crunchy croutons, and a tangy lemon garlic dressing, perfect as a healthy side or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 bunches curly kale
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Remove and discard the stems from the curly kale. Wash the leaves thoroughly with water and place them in a large bowl.
- Massage the kale: Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to the kale and use your hands to massage the salt into the leaves until they begin to soften. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Add croutons: Chop or crush the croutons finely and add them to the bowl with the kale.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the kale and croutons. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is essential to soften the tough leaves and reduce bitterness.
- You can substitute croutons with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the lemon juice and garlic according to your taste preference for extra tang or a bolder flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but keeps well refrigerated for a couple of days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
