Description
A simple and healthy kale salad with a bright lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large bunch of kale (about 10–12 ounces), tough stems removed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion or shallots
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the tough, fibrous stems by either tearing the leaves away from the stem or by slicing along either side of the stem. Discard the stems. Then, stack the kale leaves and chiffonade them (roll them up tightly and slice thinly) into bite-sized pieces.
- 2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3. Dress the Kale: Place the prepared kale in a large mixing bowl. Pour about half of the lemon dressing over the kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves for about 2-3 minutes until the kale softens and becomes more tender and pliable. Add more dressing as needed, until the kale is lightly coated but not swimming in dressing.
- 4. Add Optional Ingredients: If using any optional additions like Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts or seeds, dried cranberries, or red onion, add them to the bowl with the dressed kale and toss gently to distribute.
- 5. Serve: Serve immediately or let sit for a few minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Massaged kale holds up well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g