Description
Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad delivers a Mediterranean-inspired dance of bright citrus and rich cheese, creating a light yet satisfying dish. Crisp kale leaves mingle with tangy lemon and salty Parmesan, offering you a simple, elegant experience that celebrates fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch kale (curly or lacinato), stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously rinse kale under cool running water, carefully stripping away the fibrous central stems to ensure tender, delicate leaves.
- Gently tear or chop the kale into delicate, uniform bite-sized morsels, creating an inviting texture for the salad.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the prepared kale, using clean hands to tenderly massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes, helping to break down the robust fibers and soften the greens.
- Zest the lemon directly over the kale, releasing its aromatic essential oils and infusing the salad with bright, citrusy notes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the massaged kale, allowing the acidic liquid to further tenderize the leaves and enhance their natural flavor profile.
- Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed kale, creating a rich, savory layer that complements the salad’s bright undertones.
- Season with a delicate pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, carefully distributing the seasonings to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly, ensuring each leaf is evenly coated with the lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan mixture.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the kale to absorb the dressing’s nuanced characteristics.
Notes
- Massaging kale breaks down its tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to chew while helping it absorb dressing more effectively.
- Choose younger, smaller kale leaves for a more delicate texture and milder flavor that works best in raw salads.
- To keep the salad crisp and fresh, add grated Parmesan and lemon dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or toasted nuts for a similar umami and crunchy element.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg