Description
A fresh and zesty Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad with tender massaged kale, crunchy croutons, and a bright lemon-garlic dressing, perfect as a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
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 kale stems, wash the leaves thoroughly with water, and place them in a large bowl.
- Massage the kale: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the kale and use your hands to massage the salt into the leaves for about 1-2 minutes until the kale softens and reduces in volume.
- Chop croutons: Finely chop or crush the croutons and add them to the bowl with the kale.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk 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 thoroughly to combine.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens the tough leaves, making them easier to eat and more palatable.
- You can substitute croutons with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw cloves.
- Store the salad dressing separately if you plan to keep the salad for longer than a day to maintain crispness.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
