Easy Kale Salad – with Lemon Dressing

This easy kale salad recipe with lemon dressing has become such a staple in our family.  I make it for almost every family gathering (at the request of my family) as well as those times when we are in a dinner salad rut. 
It goes perfectly with anything like chicken, shrimp, casseroles, or even pizza night. This recipe is something you can hand off to the kids to make while you tend to the other meal preparations.

Even people that claim they do not like kale, absolutely LOVE this easy kale salad!  It has that heartiness from the dark, leafy kale, crunchiness from the pistachios, sweetness from the raisins and a beautiful pucker from the tangy, bold lemon dressing. 

How to use kale

Kale is extremely versatile and can bring a fresh and healthy element to so many types of dishes.

You could use kale in salad recipes (probably the most obvious choice), in patties like these quinoa and kale patties, as a topping on pizza, in buddha bowls, sauces like pesto or even to make crispy healthy kale chips, endless possibilities.

Easy Kale Salad – with Lemon Dressing
I made this salad tonight and it was so delicious!! I used the light olive oil for a lighter taste and ended up adding some extra lemon juice to the dressing.

Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

•     2 medium bunches kale (about 8 cups sliced)
•     2 tablespoons lemon juice
•     1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
•     2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•     1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•     1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
•     1 clove garlic, minced

For Bread Crumbs:

•     1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
•     1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
•     1 clove garlic, minced
•     dash salt

Instructions

• Wash kale well, then remove leaves from stems. Stack kale and slice about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.
• Place kale in a large bowl. Top with olive oil and salt.
• Use your hands to massage oil and salt into kale, continuing for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until kale is tender and has reduced in size.
• Mix together lemon juice, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Drizzle over salad; toss to combine.
• Sprinkle Parmesan over salad; mix well.
• Taste salad and adjust flavor to taste with additional salt, lemon juice, or olive oil, if desired. Set salad aside.

Prepare Bread Crumbs:

• Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic to oil and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
• Stir panko into oil; add a sprinkle of salt. Cook panko until golden, watching closely and stirring often.
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

To Serve:

• Serve salad sprinkled with extra Parmesan (if desired) and Panko. Enjoy!

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