Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing is ready to eat in under 5 minutes.  This kale salad is simple, yet full of flavor from the freshly grated Parmesan, lemon, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.  Serve this easy salad recipe as a side to your favorite meal, or enjoy it as is for a healthy lunch. 

EASY KALE SALAD RECIPE WITH LEMON DRESSING

Do you like kale salads?

I am a big fan and often make this Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing and this Kale Caesar Salad. 

When I first tried a salad a few years back I wasn’t sold on it.  

Sometimes kale salads are too tough for my liking.  

After some work on different salads using kale, I have realized that massaged kale salads are my favorite way to eat a kale salad.

This Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing is my go-to salad when it comes to kale.

The secret to my kale salad is getting the kale to soften.

To do this I use the lemon dressing and massage it into the kale for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the kale is soft.

This also helps the flavors of the dressing infuse into the salad.  

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS EASY KALE SALAD RECIPE WITH LEMON DRESSING?

KALE: You can use any variety of kale that you want.

Some that I like are curly and lacinato but any are great options. I love adding kale to smoothies like this Blueberry Kale Smoothie, salads like this Avocado Kale Quinoa Salad, Kale Cucumber Tabbouleh or Kale Salad with Cranberries, 

OLIVE OIL: The dressing uses olive oil. I suggest finding a good extra virgin olive oil because of the flavor it will add. 

LEMON JUICE: Lemon juice is added to this salad to add flavor and to help soften the kale. 

GARLIC: Garlic is also a great addition to this salad dressing. You can skip it if you want but I think it really adds great flavor to the salad. 

PARMESAN CHEESE: I always finish the salad off with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese. You can also swap it for things like feta, mozzarella or goat cheese. 

COOKING TIPS AND MODIFICATIONS:

• MASSAGING THE KALE: The most important step when making this salad is massaging the kale. It helps to soften the kale and infuses the salad dressing flavors into the salad. I like to use the dressing and massage that into the salad. 
• PROTEIN: Try adding protein to the salad like Baked Cod with Lemon, Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs, tofu or crispy chickpeas.
• NUTS: Add nuts to your salad. I like pecans, almonds or walnuts.  
• BEANS: Using beans in your salad can be a nice addition and a healthy ingredients. I especially enjoy white beans or chickpeas. 
• DRIED FRUIT: When I make a kale salad I like to add dried fruit. Try dried cranberries, apricots or raisins. 
• CHEESE:What is a salad without cheese, right? This salad uses parmesan cheese but you can also add goat cheese, feta or white sharp cheddar. 

HOW DO I MAKE AN EASY KALE SALAD WITH LEMON DRESSING?

Start by removing the ribs from the kale and trimming it of any big thick stems {if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, they sell already trimmed kale, which is a nice shortcut} and put it into a large mixing bowl.

Add the remaining ingredients in the bowl and massage the kale salad with your hands for 3 to 4 minutes, until the kale reduces down to half the size you started with.

 And there you have it…a beautiful, flavorful kale salad.

Sometimes when I make this salad, I feel like I am getting a little bit of therapy by massaging the kale.

You get your hands nice and “dirty” with olive oil, lemon and Parmesan.

Your hands smell amazing after you are done and I am telling you, it’s possible you will feel like you had a nice little therapy session.  

On one of those extra stressful days try it out because you can’t beat free, delicious therapy.

OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE USING KALE:

Avocado Kale and Spinach Salad // a cedar spoon 

One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta // a cedar spoon

Tropical Kale Quinoa Salad // a cedar spoon 

Sautéed Kale and Mushrooms // The Blond Cook

Kale Chips // Steamy Kitchen Recipes