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Fresh Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad with lemon zest and parmesan cheese

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring peppery kale, zesty lemon juice, and nutty parmesan cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped (about 8 oz.)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
Optional Add-Ins
  • cherry tomatoes, halved
  • cucumbers, diced
  • avocado, sliced because what’s a salad without avocado?

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the kale in a large salad bowl.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste.
Toss and Massage
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the kale and toss everything together. Spend a minute or two massaging the kale to soften it and help it absorb the lemony goodness.
Finish with Parmesan
  1. Add in the grated Parmesan and toss once more. If using optional ingredients like avocado or cherry tomatoes, mix them in now.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or let it sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Massage the kale for better texture and flavor. Add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, and store leftover salad dressing separately for best results.