Kale salad is such a easy, hearty lunch that I can simply customise with no matter I’ve. This model is contemporary, flavorful, and so satisfying with the combo of lemony dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and nutty Parmesan. In case you’ve by no means liked kale earlier than, I’ve an essential tip that may simply change your thoughts.

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After I want one thing fast, hearty, and filled with texture, I throw collectively this kale salad. It’s excellent for busy weeknights or mild lunches, and I really like how the home made breadcrumb topping provides somewhat one thing particular with out a lot effort. The strategy of massaging the kale is essential to an excellent salad. It softens the leaves, cuts the bitterness, and helps them absorb the dressing. In case you’ve by no means tried this earlier than, I promise it makes all of the distinction. I made this recipe to be buildable, so you possibly can add all of your favourite salad toppings. I really like including bacon bits, grilled peaches, or some grilled hen.
Suggestions for Learners
- Therapeutic massage the kale. Therapeutic massage the kale for 1–2 minutes with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. The leaves ought to darken, shrink in quantity, and really feel tender and silky. That’s when it’s prepared.
- Steadiness the dressing. If the lemon or mustard feels overpowering, steadiness it out with a contact extra maple syrup or a small pinch of sugar. I prefer to style as I’m going and modify accordingly.
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Add the kale to a big bowl. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Start to therapeutic massage and squish the kale in your fingers till it has softened and grow to be shiny. Put aside.
2 bunches Lacinato kale, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
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Place your bread cubes right into a meals processor and pulse till it’s damaged all the way down to the scale of very giant breadcrumbs, about pea-sized items.
1 cup cubed crusty bread
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Warmth 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet. Add within the breadcrumbs and toss to coat within the oil. Proceed to prepare dinner and stir till the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Take away from the warmth and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5 tbsp olive oil
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In a bowl, whisk collectively the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, maple syrup and garlic till mixed.
¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 garlic clove
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Pour the dressing over the kale, utilizing as a lot or as little as you want, and toss to coat. Add in half the breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, half the almonds, and toss once more.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds
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High with the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and almonds. Serve instantly. Take pleasure in!
- Lacinato kale can be labeled Tuscan or Dino kale. It has flatter, much less curly leaves and is mostly simpler to wash. Curly kale will work on this recipe, too.
- We love the feel of the home made croutons, however be happy to substitute store-bought.
- To maintain that satisfying crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on simply earlier than serving. In case you’re prepping forward, retailer them individually in an hermetic container.
Serving: 1servingEnergy: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 12gFats: 26gSaturated Fats: 5gPolyunsaturated Fats: 4gMonounsaturated Fats: 15gTrans Fats: 0.01gLdl cholesterol: 11mgSodium: 662mgPotassium: 626mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 13598IUVitamin C: 132mgCalcium: 509mgIron: 3mg
Vitamin data is mechanically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Find out how to Make Kale Salad Step by Step


Collect all of the substances collectively.


Prep and therapeutic massage the kale: Add 2 giant bunches of chopped kale to a big bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Therapeutic massage along with your fingers for 1–2 minutes till tender and shiny.


Make the breadcrumbs: Place 1 cup of crusty bread cubes in a meals processor and pulse into giant crumbs.


Toast the breadcrumbs: Warmth 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, add breadcrumbs, and toast till golden. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.


Whisk the dressing: In a bowl, whisk ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1 grated garlic clove till emulsified.


Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss. Add half the breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and a couple of–3 tbsp chopped almonds. Toss to mix.


End and serve: High with the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and almonds. Style and modify salt or lemon juice if wanted. Serve instantly.


Find out how to Retailer and Reheat
This kale salad is greatest loved contemporary, however leftovers can nonetheless maintain up nicely. Retailer any dressed salad in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. The kale will proceed to melt, however the taste stays scrumptious.
To maintain the breadcrumbs crispy, retailer any extras individually in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
What Else to Add
- Protein: Grilled hen, crispy bacon, hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Fruit: Sliced peaches, apples, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Nuts: Attempt toasted walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Extras: Avocado, roasted candy potatoes, sunflower seeds, or goat cheese for added taste and texture.
Serving Solutions
This kale salad makes an ideal aspect dish for nearly any meal, however it’s additionally hearty sufficient to face by itself. Serve it alongside grilled hen, salmon, or roasted greens for a balanced dinner, or pile it onto a lunch plate with some contemporary fruit and crusty bread. It’s additionally a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, or vacation tables.
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