Looking for a fresh, crunchy salad recipe? Try this kale salad with parmesan cheese. Toss together fresh kale with a generous amount of grated parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a savory, satisfying dish. A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty kick, making it the perfect lemon parmesan kale salad recipe for a side.
I brought home a giant bunch of kale that I didn’t know what to do with. I didn’t feel like cooking much, so I tossed it with lemon juice, olive oil, and a handful of shaved parmesan. The parmesan gave it a salty kick that made the kale taste extra special. Since then, I’ve been making this kale salad whenever I need something easy but oddly soul-soothing.
Importance of Kale Salad Dressing
A good kale salad dressing helps soften the tough raw kale leaves, making them easier to chew and enjoy. It also adds flavor, so your salad tastes bright and balanced. Without dressing, leaves like kale can feel too dry or bitter for some people.
Why Add Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that pairs really well with the earthy taste of kale. It also adds a creamy texture that makes the salad feel more satisfying. Just a little sprinkle can turn a simple bowl of greens into something special.
Other than Parmesan, other types of cheeses are good ingredients to add to dishes like my cream cheese sausage balls and feta cheese egg appetizers.
Serving Salad in Meals
Salads are a great way to add freshness and color to your plate. They can be a side dish or even the main course if you bulk them up with protein. Serving your favorite salad with meals like chicken burger patties, air fryer beef chunks, chicken stir-fry, and pork scotch fillet helps balance heavier dishes and adds a clean touch.
How To Make Kale Salad with Parmesan Cheese
Kale salad with parmesan cheese is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together hearty greens and savory cheese in every bite. It’s a fresh and satisfying option that works perfectly as a side or light lunch.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Bowl: A large, sturdy bowl to toss the kale and dressing together. Make sure it’s big enough to give everything a good mix.
- Salad Plate: To serve your finished kale salad. It’ll look lovely when arranged neatly.
- Spoon: Use it to mix the dressing into the kale and serve the salad.
- Whisk: Quickly blend the dressing ingredients together before tossing them with the kale.
Ingredients:
- Kale: Fresh, vibrant kale gives the salad a hearty base. Chopping it into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to eat and helps the dressing coat better.
- Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): This rich, flavorful oil brings a silky texture to the dressing, helping to soften the kale and add a bit of healthy fat.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad, adding a tangy contrast to the richness of the olive oil.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the dressing. It emulsifies the oil and lemon juice, helping them stay mixed together.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the tartness of the lemon and mustard, making the salad more refreshing.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out all the flavors in the salad and enhances the overall taste.
- Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a slight warmth and depth to the dressing.
- Parmesan, grated: Parmesan cheese gives the salad a savory, umami-packed finish, with a bit of creamy texture when tossed in with the kale.
- Almonds, toasted and sliced: These crunchy almonds add texture, a nutty flavor, and a satisfying bite to the salad.
- Lemon Zest (optional): For an extra burst of lemony fragrance, add a sprinkle of zest over the top before serving.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR KALE SALAD RECIPE
First Step: Build a Clean Kale Base
Place the kale leaves onto a large salad plate, making sure they’re thoroughly washed and stems removed. Tear or chop kale leaves into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make them easier to enjoy. This gives you a fresh and hearty base.
Second Step: Whisk Up a Fresh Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This tangy-sweet combo adds bright, clean flavor without any additives.
Third Step: Combine the Mixture
Pour the lemon dressing over the curly kale and use clean hands to massage the leaves for 1–2 minutes. This step helps break down the toughness of raw kale, making it softer and easier to eat. You’ll end up with tender, flavorful greens that soak up every drop of the dressing.
Fourth Step: Add Final Touches
Top your salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix everything together. Serve it up with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a clean, zesty finish packed with texture and flavor.
TRICKS AND TIPS:
- Massage the kale: Don’t skip this step. Massaging breaks down the fibers, making the kale tender and easier to digest.
- Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the flavor and helps soften the bunch of kale even more during the massage.
- Go for curly or lacinato kale: Both work well, but lacinato (also called dinosaur kale) is slightly more tender and easier to chew raw.
- Make it ahead: The salad holds up well in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or parties. Chop the kale and put it in a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Add protein if you like: Eat kale with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or boiled eggs to make it a full meal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to Serve With This Salad Recipe?
This kale and parmesan salad goes great with herbed baked chicken, chicken roll ups, chicken casserole, or even a bowl of mushroom soup. It also works well as a side for pasta or roasted vegetables. The crisp kale and salty cheese help balance rich or hearty dishes.
How Do I Store Kale with Parmesan Cheese?
Store your kale salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best eaten within a day for the best texture. If you haven’t added dressing yet, it can last even longer without getting soggy.
Freezing this salad is not a good idea. The kale will lose its crunch, and the cheese can change texture once thawed. It’s better to enjoy it fresh or make it in batches.
More Clean Eating Recipes
If you’re looking for more clean-eating ideas, try these simple and tasty recipes. My hibiscus tea recipe is refreshing and full of natural flavor, perfect for warm or cold days. The healthy trail mix recipe is great for snacking, with just nuts, seeds, and a bit of dried fruit.
And if you’ve never tried baked cabbage steaks in the air fryer, they’re crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, so easy and surprisingly good when paired with cucumber and red onion salad. These recipes are all about using whole foods to make meals you’ll feel good about eating.
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Full Recipe With a Printable Version
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Kale Salad with Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and de-stem the kale, then tear or chop into bite-sized pieces and place on a large plate.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage for 1–2 minutes until the leaves soften.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and massage for 1–2 minutes until the leaves soften.
Notes
- Massage the kale: Don’t skip this step. Massaging breaks down the fibers, making the kale tender and easier to digest.
- Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the flavor and helps soften the bunch of kale even more during the massage.
- Go for curly or lacinato kale: Both work well, but lacinato (also called dinosaur kale) is slightly more tender and easier to chew raw.
- Make it ahead: The salad holds up well in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or parties. Chop the kale and put it in a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Add protein if you like: Eat kale with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or boiled eggs to make it a full meal.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
more salad flavorings
Give your salads a flavor boost with these tasty add-ins. Try zesty dressings, fresh herbs, crunchy seeds, or a sprinkle of cheese to keep every bowl exciting and delicious.
