Lemon Parmesan Salad
This Lemon Parmesan Salad transforms simple ingredients into a bright, flavorful Summer Salad that’s both healthy and indulgent. Massaged kale becomes tender and silky, soaking up a zesty lemon-garlic dressing that’s balanced by the nutty richness of freshly grated Parmesan. Crushed crouton crumbs add a delightful crunch, making every bite of this Parmesan Salad a perfect mix of textures. Ideal for warm days, this Lemon Salad is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or a glass of chilled white wine.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups curly kale stems removed and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons homemade or store-bought
For the Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper or to taste
For Homemade Croutons (Optional):
- 1 cup diced stale bread French baguette or ciabatta
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Wash and dry 4 cups curly kale, removing leaves from stems. Finely chop leaves and place in a medium-large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Massage the Kale: Drizzle 1/2 tsp of the dressing over the kale. Massage with clean hands for 1-2 minutes until the leaves darken and become tender and silky.
- Add Remaining Dressing: Toss the kale with the remaining dressing, ensuring even coating.
- Prepare Crouton Crumbs: Place 1/2 cup croutons in a zip-top bag or between paper towels. Gently crush with a rolling pin or bottle into panko-sized crumbs for a crispy Lemon Parmesan Salad topping.
- Assemble the Salad: Finely grate 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, then roughly chop for sprinkle-like pieces. Add to the kale and toss. Sprinkle crushed crouton crumbs over the top for added crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy topping and fresh flavors of this Summer Salad. Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
Notes
- Massage Kale Properly: Rub kale with dressing for 1-2 minutes to soften for a tender Lemon Parmesan Salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and Parmesan for vibrant Lemon Salad flavors.
- Crisp Croutons: Crush just before serving to maintain crunch in this Parmesan Salad.
- Even Dressing: Drizzle dressing gradually and toss well to coat every leaf in this Summer Salad.
- Grate Parmesan Finely: Finely grated and chopped Parmesan ensures cheesy flavor in every bite.