Here’s a fresh and flavorful Kale Salad recipe that’s simple, nutritious, and anything but boring. Massaging the kale is the key to turning it from tough to tender!
🥗 Simple Kale Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing
Ingredients:
For the salad:
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1 bunch curly or lacinato (dino) kale
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1/2 lemon, juiced (or more to taste)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Pinch of salt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
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1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds)
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1 small apple, thinly sliced or chopped (optional)
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1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
For the dressing:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the kale:
Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Remove stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. -
Massage the kale:
In a large bowl, drizzle kale with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 1–2 minutes until they darken and soften. -
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. -
Assemble the salad:
Add grated Parmesan, nuts, apple slices, and cranberries to the massaged kale. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine. -
Serve:
Let sit for 10–15 minutes if time allows — the flavors deepen and the kale becomes even more tender.
🔄 Variations:
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Add quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
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Top with avocado or a soft-boiled egg.
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Swap Parmesan for feta or goat cheese.
Would you like a spicy kale Caesar version or one with an Asian-style sesame dressing?