Kale Salad 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.
Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Do you like kale salads? I am a big fan! When I first tried a kale 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 Kale Salad 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 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.
This kale salad is a great base that you can add your favorite salad toppings into.
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 grilled seafood, grilled chicken, 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 A KALE SALAD?
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
Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
- 10 ounces raw kale {this equals about 1 bunch of kale but keep in mind that the size of the bunches of kale can vary} ribs removed and discarded
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice {1 large lemon gives me about this much}
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt {or more to taste}
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl put the kale, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, parmesan and salt. Using clean hands start massaging the kale salad and continue to do this for about 3-4 minutes {you want the kale to reduce down to about half of what you started with}. Taste the salad and add pepper and continue to massage for another few seconds. Taste again and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Serve alongside your favorite meal or as lunch.
- Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days {I find it better the first few days}.
Notes
If you have a Trader Joes near you, you can buy a 10oz bag of kale that has already been trimmed and the ribs removed.
I like to add additional ingredients to this salad sometimes like grilled chicken or salmon, nuts, fresh or dried fruit or beans.
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
April 7, 2015 at 6:51 amI think the key to eating Kale is massaging it with something acidic. Love how healthy and simple this recipe is.
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 7:23 amI think you might be right…but then again I always add lemon to mine because I just love lemon that much so I can’t be sure! 🙂
DessertForTwo says
April 7, 2015 at 7:08 amThere really is something about kale that has been massaged! I used to not believe it, then I tried it! Thanks for another recipe for it 🙂
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Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 7:23 amI totally agree. Once you try it you realize what all the hype is about! 😉
Chicago Jogger says
April 7, 2015 at 7:22 amYum – thanks for the kale massaging tips. I haven’t tried it before, but it’s time!
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 7:23 amOh it is easy to do and makes the kale nice and soft. Hope you give it a try!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
April 7, 2015 at 7:24 amMassaging the kale with the dressing is so important for maximum flavor. Love the lemon dressing too!
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 8:13 amYes it is! I love the flavor it adds to the kale.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
April 7, 2015 at 7:45 amGirl.. you know I’m totally on board with this!
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 8:12 amI know you are! So good!
heather @french press says
April 7, 2015 at 9:22 amwhy have I not massaged my kale before 🙂 this sounds delicious
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 9:28 amYou need to do it! It has become my favorite way to eat kale salads.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
April 7, 2015 at 10:15 amThank you for sharing this lovely salad – I love giving kale a good massage, bonus that the oils really soften my hands 😉
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 10:17 amThanks Erin! I agree!
Jessica @ Stuck On Sweet says
April 7, 2015 at 2:10 pmWhat? This is new to me! Can’t wait to massage my kale! 🙂
Julia says
April 7, 2015 at 6:59 pmHaha…you will love it Jess! I kept hearing about it but never tried it. So glad I did.
Marcia says
May 18, 2016 at 12:10 pmA restaurant in my neck ‘o the woods called Brimstone does a version of this that is sensational: the kale is chopped *very* fine and topped with a garlic lemon-lime dressing. I want to try to make it at home. Thank you!
Julia says
May 18, 2016 at 2:24 pmThat sounds similar to this and wonderful! I love this easy kale salad so much. I hope you like it!
Barb K says
August 17, 2017 at 7:14 amWould it be 10 oz of kale with the stems still on, or after removal? Thanks!
Julia says
August 17, 2017 at 1:22 pmI used a bag of kale which had the stems off so my guess is you would need more kale if you are using the whole kale.
Melissa Mike says
February 28, 2019 at 8:18 amHay!
I never had a massage kale salad with lemon dressing. After seeing this picture, My tongue covered by water. Is it tasty?
Julia says
February 28, 2019 at 9:00 amYes! I love making my kale salads this way. You should give it a try. I especially like that the kale is less tough and the flavors from the dressing get worked in to the salad. Let me know if you try it!