Are you ready to revolutionize your salad game with a dish that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious? This Kale and Walnut Salad is a game-changer that combines the nutritional powerhouse of kale with the rich, nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about salads. In just 10 minutes, you'll craft a restaurant-worthy dish that's packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the kale under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
- Pat the kale dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Remove the tough central stems from the kale leaves by folding the leaf in half and cutting along the stem. Discard the stems.
- Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniform size to ensure even coating with dressing.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat once they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, toasted walnuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and massage the dressing into the leaves with clean hands for 2-3 minutes. This helps soften the kale and distribute the flavors.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and walnuts if desired.
Tips
- Massage is Key: When working with kale, always massage the leaves with dressing. This breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale more tender and helping it absorb flavors more effectively.
- Toast Those Walnuts: Never skip toasting your walnuts! This step enhances their natural oils and brings out a deeper, more complex nutty flavor that elevates the entire salad.
- Prep in Advance: You can wash and chop the kale ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, keeping it fresh for 2-3 days.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or swap Parmesan for another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
- Dressing Tip: Make extra dressing and store it in the refrigerator. It's perfect for quick salads throughout the week and stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
