Description
Bright lemon parmesan kale salad showcases zesty citrus notes with nutty parmesan cheese. Crisp kale leaves provide hearty texture while simple ingredients create a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired side dish you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped (about 6 cups)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shaved or grated)
- ¼ cup almonds or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a vibrant, tangy emulsification.
- Kale Transformation: Pour the prepared dressing over freshly chopped kale in a large mixing bowl, then use clean hands to massage the leaves thoroughly, breaking down their fibrous texture and allowing them to soften and absorb the dressing’s rich flavors.
- Flavor Layering: Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese shavings and toasted almonds over the massaged kale, carefully tossing to ensure even distribution of ingredients and creating a complex texture with nutty and savory notes.
- Final Touches: Grind fresh black pepper over the salad, adding a subtle warmth and aromatic depth. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s crisp texture, or let it rest briefly to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Massage Kale Thoroughly: Break down tough fibers by massaging kale for 3-5 minutes, which helps soften leaves and reduce bitterness while improving texture and flavor absorption.
- Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust lemon and mustard quantities to balance tanginess based on personal preference, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
- Enhance Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas to transform this side salad into a complete meal, making it more nutritionally dense and satisfying.
- Store Smartly: Prepare dressing separately and add just before serving to prevent kale from becoming soggy, maintaining crisp texture and freshness for up to 24 hours when refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg