Description
Kale Salad with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan is a fresh, nutrient-packed salad that combines the hearty texture of kale with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and garlic. Topped with rich Parmesan, this easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying the kale. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt over the kale. Using your hands, massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it softens and darkens in color. This helps make the kale more tender and less bitter.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss well to coat the leaves evenly. Add the Parmesan cheese, nuts (if using), and dried cranberries (if using), and toss again to combine.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a few extra walnuts or cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy as a light main course.
Notes
- If you want to make the salad spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh fruit like apple slices or pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing sweetness to the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
