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A white bowl filled with kale salad, topped with sliced almonds and grated cheese, with a fork resting on the side.
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Kale Salad with Parmesan Cheese

This kale salad with parmesan cheese is fresh, crunchy, and full of savory flavor. Lemon brightens the kale while grated parmesan adds richness, making it a simple side that pairs well with almost any meal.
Course Salad, Salads
Cuisine American, International
Keyword best kale salad, chop kale, curly kale, fresh lemon, grated parmesan, grated parmesan cheese, kale leaves, kale salad, kale salad recipe, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, parmesan cheese, raw kale, salad, salad recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 218kcal
Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Kale chopped with stems removed
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil Extra Virgin
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Honey Optional: sugar-free
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Parmesan grated
  • ¼ Cup Almonds toasted and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest optional
US Customary - Metric

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

Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11380IU | Vitamin C: 111mg | Calcium: 389mg | Iron: 2mg