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Simple Kale Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

A simple, nutritious kale salad featuring a tangy homemade dressing, tender massaged kale, Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This easy-to-make salad is great for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons honey
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

  • 2 bunches kale, washed (preferably Lacinato kale)
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds (alternatively pine nuts or pepitas)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries (alternatively golden raisins or dried currants)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare the Kale: Remove the kale stems by squeezing the top of each stem and sliding your hand down to strip off the leafy parts. Finely chop the kale leaves using a sharp knife for manageable bite-sized pieces.
  3. Massage the Kale: Place chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Use clean hands to massage the kale gently until it softens and reduces in volume, typically about 2-3 minutes. This process makes the kale more tender and palatable.
  4. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the massaged kale and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle finely shredded Parmesan cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and dried cranberries over the salad. Toss again gently to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing and flavorful salad or chill briefly for a cooler dish.

Notes

  • Use Lacinato kale for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
  • Massaging the kale is essential to reduce bitterness and soften texture.
  • To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently until golden and fragrant.
  • Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with golden raisins or dried currants based on preference.
  • This salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, though texture may change.

Keywords: Kale salad, healthy salad, massaged kale, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, Parmesan kale salad, almond kale salad

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/simple-kale-salad-recipe/