If you need a go-to kale salad recipe, this simple blend is a winner! It’s quick to prepare with fresh kale, a splash of lemon, olive oil, Parmesan, and your choice of nuts. Packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s as healthy as it is tasty. You can easily mix in your favorite extras, making it versatile enough to pair with nearly any meal.
I’ve been making this salad for over a decade, and it’s always a hit—even with those who aren’t usually fans of kale. So if you want a quick, nutritious green salad to complete your dinner tonight, grab some kale, and you’ll have it ready in no time!
Easy Kale Salad Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this kale salad:
- Kale: I like to use curly kale, lacinato (or “dinosaur”) kale, or Red Russian kale. These varieties benefit from a quick massage to soften them up before mixing with other ingredients. Alternatively, you could opt for a bag of baby kale, which doesn’t need massaging.
- Parmesan: The savory, umami-rich taste of Parmesan pairs perfectly with kale. For the best flavor, I recommend buying a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly grating it right before serving.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly-squeezed lemon juice creates a bright, zesty dressing when combined with olive oil. I highly recommend using a good citrus juicer if you don’t have one—I’m obsessed with mine!
- Olive Oil: Since this salad has minimal ingredients, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil is key to massaging the kale and dressing the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Be sure to season the salad well! A good pinch of fine sea salt and some freshly-ground black pepper are crucial to bringing out the flavors.
- Nuts: I enjoy adding toasted almonds (sliced or slivered) for a satisfying crunch and extra protein, but feel free to include your favorite nuts or seeds.
How to Massage Kale
Over time, I’ve noticed that many people who aren’t fans of kale salads often skip the crucial step of massaging the kale to soften it before adding it to the salad.
To do this, start by removing the tough stems and chopping the kale leaves to your preferred size. Drizzle the leaves with olive oil, then use your hands to massage the oil into the kale for about a minute until the leaves soften and deepen in color. This technique helps break down the kale’s cellulose structure, making it more tender and reducing its bitterness. It’s a quick and easy step that greatly enhances the texture and taste of your salad, so be sure not to skip it!