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
I think the key to eating Kale is massaging it with something acidic. Love how healthy and simple this recipe is.
Julia says
I 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
There 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
I totally agree. Once you try it you realize what all the hype is about! 😉
Chicago Jogger says
Yum – thanks for the kale massaging tips. I haven’t tried it before, but it’s time!
Julia says
Oh it is easy to do and makes the kale nice and soft. Hope you give it a try!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Massaging the kale with the dressing is so important for maximum flavor. Love the lemon dressing too!
Julia says
Yes it is! I love the flavor it adds to the kale.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Girl.. you know I’m totally on board with this!
Julia says
I know you are! So good!
heather @french press says
why have I not massaged my kale before 🙂 this sounds delicious
Julia says
You need to do it! It has become my favorite way to eat kale salads.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Thank you for sharing this lovely salad – I love giving kale a good massage, bonus that the oils really soften my hands 😉
Julia says
Thanks Erin! I agree!
Jessica @ Stuck On Sweet says
What? This is new to me! Can’t wait to massage my kale! 🙂
Julia says
Haha…you will love it Jess! I kept hearing about it but never tried it. So glad I did.
Marcia says
A 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
That sounds similar to this and wonderful! I love this easy kale salad so much. I hope you like it!
Barb K says
Would it be 10 oz of kale with the stems still on, or after removal? Thanks!
Julia says
I 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
Hay!
I never had a massage kale salad with lemon dressing. After seeing this picture, My tongue covered by water. Is it tasty?
Julia says
Yes! 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!