Even if you aren’t a kale lover, you have got to try this simple lemon kale salad recipe. Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.
This post was originally published October 1, 2013.
I’ve fallen in love with kale. It’s such a nutritious green, but many people aren’t fans because it tends to be bitter and a little tough. Did you know there are secrets to making kale better?
The obvious choice is baked kale chips, which I adore. When you’re looking for a quick and fast salad that is pretty unique and incredibly tasty, a kale salad is perfect.
When you add lemon juice and also squish it with your hands, you help soften both the texture and the flavor, as the kale starts to break down just a tiny bit. It’s just enough to make it perfect to bite raw.
I had a salad somewhat similar to this at a tailgate recently but didn’t get the recipe. When I got home, I was determined to try to replicate it as best I could, remembering all the flavors I tasted with it.
I’ve been making it just like this, which means that it has no added protein other than the parm. It works great as a side, but this is not a main dish salad.
You could definitely add some avocado to it or hard boiled egg to get more oomph to it and make it into a meal, but I sort of like it just the way it is!
All hail kale.
How to Make Lemon Kale Salad
Are you a visual learner? Watch the video tutorial to really get how to make this kale salad.
Wash your kale, parsley, and green onion. Slice your kale into 1/2 inch ribbons or rip into bite size pieces (see my tutorial on cutting greens and herbs for how).
Place the kale into a bowl. Note that it may fill your smallish bowl completely.
Add the lemon juice and olive oil. Get your (clean) hands in there, and knead the kale.
Gather it in your hands and squeeze, rubbing the leaves together. Do this for about thirty seconds or so. You’ll notice that the kale starts to feel a little softer in your hands, and it’s become a brighter shade of green.
It’s also shrunk significantly in volume.
Chop the parsley, and add it and your sliced green onion. Add the Parmesan and some pepper, then stir with a fork.
Taste test to see if you need to adjust any flavors. Serve immediately, or you can refrigerate this overnight and serve.
I wouldn’t recommend any longer than that, as the acid in the lemon juice will continue to break down the kale leaves, and you don’t want soggy slimy salad.
Note: You can easily scale this recipe up to serve more. This is a perfect amount for a side salad for two as is.
Have you ever tried a kale salad you love?
Looking for more delicious salad recipes to try? These are some of my favorites:
- Shaved Brussels sprouts salad
- Dried cherry and goat cheese salad
- Kung Pao chicken salad
- Vegetable couscous salad
- Spinach orzo salad
- Hearts of palm salad
- Spinach caprese salad
- Cucumber salad
- Grilled corn and avocado salad
- Taco salad
Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 3-4 large leaves kale stems removed
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1 green onion sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablepsoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash kale, parsley, and green onion. Slice kale into 1/2 inch ribbons or rip into bite size pieces. Chop parsley.
- Add kale, parsley, and green onion to bowl.3-4 large leaves kale, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 green onion
- Add lemon juice and olive oil. Knead the kale for at least 30 seconds.1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablepsoon olive oil
- Add Parmesan and pepper, then stir. Taste and adjust any flavors if needed.1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan, salt and pepper
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate this overnight and serve.
Video
Notes
- You can easily scale this recipe up to serve more. This is a perfect amount for a side salad for two as is.
- For more tips and tricks, be sure to read the full article above.
Nutrition
This site uses an online source to provide nutrition estimates as a courtesy. If you need exact values, please calculate yourself.
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I have actually never tried kale before! The other day I tried brussel sprouts for the first time in my life, and they were okay. So maybe I will give kale a chance too!