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
Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is ready 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 as a side to your favorite meal or as lunch.
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.
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