Your new favorite summer salad has just arrived. My Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad is a bright, vibrant salad that tastes so delicious, you’ll actually forget that it’s healthy. 😉 This salad also happens to be gluten-free, grain-free, and uses only 8 simple and easy and ingredients, so it’s perfect to whip up any time!
Friends, how many of you have spent some time at the Whole Foods salad bar? It may not sound like the most exciting place in the world, but to be honest, I love it. In fact, not only is it a great way to throw together a healthy salad in a pinch, but their prepared salads are also so delicious. Specifically, one particular lemon-kale-parmesan salad that I used to eat at least once a week – true story. In fact, I loved this particular salad so much that I knew I needed to recreate it. And hence, this Lemony Parmesan Kale salad was born!
Even though we’re barely into Spring, I already know that this is going to be my new favorite salad of the Summer. It is so light and refreshing, I just know that it will be perfect to cool me down on those hot California days! Plus, the best part is that my boys love this salad too, so it’s something that the whole family can enjoy together. After all, who doesn’t love a dish that’s bursting with tons of lemon and fresh parmesan?!
Plus, it’s about time I bring another kale recipe to the blog. As the Kalejunkie, it’s only right that I provide you with the best kale salad recipes to make! Whether you make this one, my Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad, or my famous Ultimate Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Lemon Dressing, you truly can’t go wrong.
As mentioned above, you only need 8 simple ingredients to put this summertime salad together!
Since my name is Kalejunkie, I hear so often from people that they wish they could like kale, but they just can’t get themselves to like it. And if that’s you, then trust me when I say that understand! On its own, kale can be rather bland, and sometimes hard to digest. And that is why the trick to making your kale perfect every time is to massage it!
This step is so easy, and truly makes your kale taste so much better. To massage it, simply start by removing the stems and chopping the kale into your desired size. Next, rinse it thoroughly, then place it in a bowl. Finally, add about a teaspoon or so of sea salt to the kale, and use your hands to massage it into the leaves, until they start to soften. This should only take about a minute or two!
By manually massaging it, you’re helping to break up some of the tough fibers, making it softer and easier for your body to digest!
To make this kale salad, simply start by preparing and massaging your kale as described above.
Then, chop or crush your croutons finely and add them to the bowl. Once that is done, prepare the dressing by mixing the remainder of the ingredients together in a small bowl, and adjust the seasonings as desired.
Finally, toss the dressing, along with the parmesan cheese, into the bowl and mix well to combine. Serve immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
I’d love to see what you made – tag @kalejunkie
in your posts and I’ll re-share!
WHAT DID YOU THINK?
Rate + Review
Delicious! My husband who is not a fan of kale has requested this salad twice since I first made it!!
I am so happy to hear that, Samantha! Thank you for your review!
I cook a lot and really never ever think to leave reviews for recipes but i happened to make this recipe a few weeks ago and haven’t stopped since. I’ve made it for everyone, so many different dinners and people raaaave about it. I add some honey to the dressing to sweeten it up and will throw in some ripe avo if I can find it to boost the creaminess. It’s a hit every single time this will be in my rotation for a long while!
Julie, I am so beyond thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for all of your support. This truly means so much to me!
This salad recipe is amazing and deserves all the praise listed below! Worth the hype! So many salad recipes over-complicate, especially with the dressing. I am always looking for alternate dressings to branch off the usual balsamic go-to. This is easy and great!
Yay! Sarah, that makes my day. Thank you so much for your support and for making this recipe!
This is the first time I’ve submitted a rating for any online recipe but since I keep coming back to this it, I thought I should thank the Kale Junkie!
Perfect summer recipe to serve with grilled chicken! My family and friends loved this!
I’m so happy to hear that, Sandra! Thank you for your review!
Eating this as I type, absolutely amazing!! Doesn’t break the bank, simple ingredients, healthy, and refreshing. I just added a bit more parmesan and crouton to mine 😊
I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Katie! Thank you so much for your review!
this kale salad is awesome!
I have made it several times and it is always a big hit!
Woohoo! I am SO happy that you enjoy this recipe, Debbie! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
I also couldn’t believe how good and easy to prepare this was! Trey, who just left a wonderful review to you, is my son! We went to the store and came directly home to make it! Duplicates easily! Thank you thank you thank you!
Jennie, thank you so much for your review! Your words + Trey’s are so kind, and mean so much to me. I am so grateful for the support, and I’m so happy you both love this salad!
Wowza! I’m not typically a big fan of kale (and I don’t normally write reviews), but we gave this one a shot with lacinato kale, and holy crud was I blown away! It’s like the kale version of a light Caesar salad without the fishiness. It’s now in my top three salads and will become heavy in our family rotation. Plus, it is very easy to make. Thank you immensely and intensely.
WOW! Trey, first of all, thank you so much for taking a chance on this recipe, and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! Reviews like yours mean so, so much to me, and I’m so grateful for your support. And so beyond thrilled that you love this salad!
This is honestly the best salad I have had in a long time and also my new favorite. I love the flavors with lemon, garlic and parm cheese it is the perfect mix. Thanks for the tip about massaging the kale with the salt it worked perfectly.
Natasha, I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review!!
This salad seems so simple, but it is SO good. Crushing the croutons is such a game changer. I’ve been following you and making your recipes for years, and you nail it every time. Thanks for what you do! 🙂
Woohoo! Colleen, I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a sweet review!