Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this deliciously fresh Easy Kale Salad, perfectly dressed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how to make it in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of dark leafy kale or curly kale (thinly sliced) – about 5-6 cups
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup pistachios or pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about the juice of 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey – to taste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Kale:
- Place the thinly sliced kale in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Gently massage the kale for about 1 minute to soften the leaves.
- Add the Crunch and Sweetness:
- Sprinkle in the pistachios or pumpkin seeds and golden raisins or dried cranberries. Add the shredded parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest. Toss everything lightly to combine the flavors.
- Make the Lemon Dressing:
- In a mason jar, combine the fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, your choice of maple syrup or honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until the dressing is well emulsified. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together in a bowl.
- Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the kale mixture. Toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are beautifully coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- This salad can be served immediately, chilled, or at room temperature. It makes a perfect side dish or a light main course.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
This Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a vibrant addition to any meal. It combines the hearty texture of kale with the crunch of nuts, the sweetness of dried fruits, and the sharpness of parmesan, all tied together with a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner side, or even as a standalone meal. Enjoy this refreshing dish any day of the week!
Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and textures but also a delight for the palate. The combination of crunchy kale, nutty pistachios or pumpkin seeds, and sweet golden raisins or dried cranberries makes every bite exciting. The homemade lemon dressing adds a fresh, zesty touch that elevates this simple dish into a gourmet salad experience.
Perfect for health-conscious individuals, this salad packs a nutritional punch. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s an excellent choice for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. The addition of parmesan cheese provides a savory balance to the tartness of the lemon, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a delicious way to include more greens in your diet, this salad is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
2 Bunches dark leafy kale or curly kale (thinly sliced) – about 5-6 cups
1 teaspoon olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper
½ cup pistachios or pumpkin seeds
½ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Lemon Dressing:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about the juice of 2 lemons)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey – to taste
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Add the thinly sliced kale to a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Lightly massage the kale for 1 minute.
Add pistachios or pumpkin seeds, golden raisins or dried cranberries, grated parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Toss lightly to combine.
For the dressing: Combine lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, salt, and black pepper in a mason jar. Shake well or whisk in a bowl until emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes