why make this recipe
This salad is bright, fresh, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients you can find in any kitchen. It makes a good side dish or light main meal. The lemon and Parmesan lift the kale and make it less bitter.
introduction
This Lemon Parm Kale Salad is quick and easy. It tastes bright and creamy from lemon and cheese, and it has a nice crunch from croutons. If you like simple meals that feel a little special, try this salad and pair it with a warm bread or a cooked protein like a chicken Parmesan with Alfredo sauce recipe. The salad holds well and stays fresh for a few days.
how to make Lemon Parm Kale Salad
- Wash the kale well and chop it into bite-size pieces.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage the leaves until they soften.
- Add grated Parmesan and toss so the cheese mixes with the leaves.
- Break croutons into small pieces and scatter them on top before you serve.
Ingredients :
- Kale
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Croutons
Directions :
- Wash and chop the kale, then place it in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage it into the leaves.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Top with crouton crumbles before serving.
how to serve Lemon Parm Kale Salad
Serve it cold or at room temperature. Put it on plates as a side or in a bowl for a light meal. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a full meal. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil on top just before serving.
how to store Lemon Parm Kale Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 2–3 days. If you plan to store it longer, keep the dressing separate and add it just before you eat.
tips to make Lemon Parm Kale Salad
- Massage the kale well so it becomes tender and mild.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright taste.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for better flavor.
- Add croutons right before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper after you mix the cheese.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes for color and creaminess.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Swap croutons for seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) to make it gluten-free.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for more protein.
FAQs
Q: How do I stop the kale from tasting bitter?
A: Massage the kale with the dressing for 1–2 minutes. This breaks down the leaves and reduces bitterness.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead?
A: Yes. Make the dressing and keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days. Mix it with kale just before serving.
Q: Will the salad get soggy?
A: If you add croutons early, they can get soft. Add croutons just before serving. Store dressed salad in the fridge and eat within 2–3 days.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes. Pecorino or a hard goat cheese can work, but Parmesan is the classic choice.
Lemon Parm Kale Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and flavorful salad featuring tender kale, creamy Parmesan, and crunchy croutons, perfect as a side dish or light main meal.
Ingredients
- Kale
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Croutons
Instructions
- Wash the kale well and chop it into bite-size pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage the leaves until they soften.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Break croutons into small pieces and scatter them on top before serving.
Notes
Add extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg