Simple Lemon Kale Salad

Okay, so we have to tell you something crazy! It’s confession time. This simple lemon kale salad is one of our favorite, most requested staples that we make all the time and have been making for years, and we literally just discovered that we didn’t have it up here on the site!!

What?? Gasp?!? I know, we were horrified at this discovery. We are so very sorry for those of you who have lost sleep over this! How could this have happened? Ha ha well, have no fear, we have fixed the little blunder, and well, here it is! Your life is now complete!! Phew! You are going to wonder how you’ve made it this far without this recipe. So, check it out…simple and so so good!

We prefer lacinato or dino kale, also called black kale, and it looks like what you see in this picture. It’s the long flat flat-looking kale as opposed to the really frilly kind. Don’t get us wrong, we will eat them both, but if we have a choice, it’s what you see here. Simply a texture preference. So, clean and dry your kale really well. We have a YouTube video here so you can see how we clean and cut our kale. Yep, we actually take the time to make videos like this for you! You’re welcome.

Did you love the video? Did you learn something new? We sure hope so. So, now you know how to clean and de-stem the kale so you can quickly chop it up into thin strips. Now just whisk your lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, pour it over the kale, and toss it so it’s all nicely covered. (FYI, the lemon breaks down the kale and makes it soft) Many people have issues with the texture of kal,e but we always tell them that’s because they aren’t eating it right! Try our salad and you will change your mind! We are feeling really confident right now.

Anyway, toss the salad with freshly grated pecorino romano cheese, red pepper flakes, and the toasted panko breadcrumbs, and you are good to go! We are not lying when we tell you that both of our daughters (who are 13 years old) absolutely love this salad and have it in their school lunches on a regular basis. How cool is that? As a mom, there is extreme satisfaction with your child eating (and wanting) a kale salad for lunch. Winning!!

What to Eat with this Lemon Kale Salad?

This Lemon Kale Salad is so fresh and great to have during these hot days. You can have it with Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta with Seared Shrimp as I did, or enjoy it alongside baked salmon or roasted vegetable flatbread. It also makes a great side for creamy mushroom risotto or a simple avocado sandwich with some stuffed sweet potato.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large bunch lacinato (Dino) kale, cleaned and chopped into thin strips (approx 6-8 C)
• 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice – approx 1 large lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ – 1 tsp red pepper flakes – can adjust or omit depending on how much heat you want
• ¼ C good quality olive oil
• ⅓ C pecorino romano cheese, finely grated
• 3 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs – toasted in skillet over medium heat until golden brown.

How to Make Lemon Kale Salad?

Step 1:

First, prepare your kale. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into thin strips. Put the chopped kale into a big salad bowl.

Step 2:

Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the squeezed lemon juice, the minced garlic, and the olive oil. Whisk it well.

Step 3:

Now, pour the lemon dressing over the chopped kale. Use your hands to toss and massage the kale with the dressing.

Step 4:

After the kale is all coated, sprinkle in the grated pecorino romano cheese and the red pepper flakes. Then, add the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top. and you’re done!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Salad bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Skillet (to toast the breadcrumbs)
• Tongs or clean hands (for mixing the salad)

How to Store Leftovers?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

FAQ

What kind of kale should I use?

You should use lacinato kale.

Can I use regular kale instead?

Yes, you can. If you use curly kale, just be sure to massage it well with the dressing.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be.

What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?

You can use parmesan cheese instead.

Are the breadcrumbs necessary?

I would say optional.

Conclusion

Simple Lemon Kale Salad is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fresh, and super simple to prepare. Try it today, and if you liked it, please share the recipe with your friends and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog.