Name: Lemon Parm Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 bunch Kale, fresh (Curly or lacinato variety recommended.); 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice (Preferably freshly squeezed.); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (Feel free to use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.); 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Extra virgin is recommended for best flavor.); to taste Salt (Use kosher salt for depth of flavor.); to taste Pepper, freshly cracked (Start with a pinch and adjust to taste.); 1 cup Croutons (Store-bought or homemade for added crunch.)

This delicious Lemon Parm Kale Salad comes together in about 15 minutes with absolutely no cooking involved for a refreshing, side dish that your family will love! You can switch up the dressings or add in your favorite proteins like chicken or chickpeas to suit your taste or use this salad as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a light lunch on the weekends.

Ingredient Breakdown

Kale
Lemon Juice
Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Croutons

Let’s Get Cooking!

Rinse and dry the kale (about 1 minute). You don’t want any extra water hanging around when you start mixing the salad! Carefully chop the kale into bite-sized pieces seriously, nobody wants to fight with a massive piece of kale while trying to eat.
In a bowl (while you may be tempted to skip this step, don’t! It’s worth it), whisk together about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, a generous splash of olive oil, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon of each). You’ll want to whisk until it’s all emulsified and looks nice and shiny, roughly 1 minute.
Next, pour the dressing over the kale and give it a good massage (yes, you read that right!) for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts slightly. Just imagine you’re giving the kale a little spa treatment! The leafy greens will turn dark and tender. Ain’t that beautiful?
Now for the cheesy goodness: toss in about 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it again until it’s well combined, letting the cheese melt into those delightful greens (this is my favorite part).
Finally, right before serving, sprinkle some croutons on top just to keep them crispy, nobody likes soggy croutons!
Serve fresh and enjoy!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need to whip up something quick but still want it to feel satisfying and packed with flavor. I’m a real sucker for salads that don’t require endless measuring and chopping, and, let’s be honest, this recipe is one of the easiest salads you can throw together. Plus, the best part is that it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge! I often make this when I have a busy week ahead; it’s perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, shrimp, or just on its own!

If you loved this Quick and Easy Lemon Parm Kale Salad, be sure to check out my Apple Broccoli Salad, my Steakhouse Potato Salad, or my Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

This salad comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. It’s truly a lifesaver when you need something fresh and satisfying without a lot of hassle!

Customizable

One of the things I adore about this recipe is its versatility! You can use what you have on hand, add in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in the fridge. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some shredded carrots can be fabulous additions. The flexibility keeps it fresh every time!

Budget-Friendly

All the ingredients are super affordable and easy to find. You can often locate most of them in your pantry, and if not, they won’t break the bank when you grab them from the store.

Delicious & Flavorful

With the bright lemony dressing and the umami kick from the cheese, every bite is an explosion of delicious flavors. It’s packed with nutrients too, kale is a powerhouse, after all!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad holds up well and can be made ahead of time, just keep the croutons separate until it’s time to serve for maximum crunch! Prep the salad on Sunday, and you have a delightful side or lunch ready for the week.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Kale Salad

Serve this salad as a side dish for grilled chicken, salmon, or a veggie main. It makes an excellent partner to any protein! Or, try it as a standalone lunch with a little added protein, like chickpeas or roasted chicken strips, for a well-rounded meal.

Storage

This salad keeps in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days, but keep in mind: the kale will become softer as it sits in the dressing. If you can, store the dressing separately to maintain that crispy freshness.

Reheating Instructions

Since there’s no cooking involved, you won’t need to worry about reheating. Just pour the dressing and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature if you’ve stored it in the refrigerator.

Freezer Friendly

While this salad is best fresh, I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the kale won’t hold up after thawing.

Enjoy making this Quick and Easy Lemon Parm Kale Salad for your family. I promise they’ll come back asking for more!

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up this incredible, light and fresh salad, it’s so easy, you’ll want it on your table every week! Trust me; your family will love it, and you’ll feel great knowing it’s packed with nutritious goodness that everyone can enjoy.

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