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Kale Salad

Kale Salad

A hearty, satisfying kale salad with massaged curly kale, toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, dried cranberries, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. Massaging the kale is the key step that transforms tough leaves into tender, silky bites — this salad actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead lunch.

4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 5 min · Total 25 min

American · Salad · Lunch

Ingredients

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Main

  • 1 large bunch curly kale ribs removed, leaves torn or chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 8 cups)
  • 0.25 tsp sea salt for massaging the kale
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated or shaved
  • 0.33 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
  • 1 tsp honey

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet

Instructions

  1. Heat a dry #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat]. Add the sliced @[Almonds] and toast, stirring frequently, for ~[3–5 minutes] until golden and fragrant. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool. Watch closely — they go from golden to burnt quickly.
  2. Place the chopped @[Curly Kale] in a large #[Mixing Bowl]. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp @[Sea Salt] and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of the @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil] (from the dressing). Using clean hands, firmly massage and squeeze the @[Curly Kale] for ~[2–3 minutes] until the leaves darken, soften, and reduce in volume by about half.
  3. In a small #[Mixing Bowl], whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil], @[Lemon Juice], @[Dijon Mustard], minced @[Garlic], and @[Honey] (if using). Season with a pinch of @[Black Pepper]. Taste and adjust — add more @[Lemon Juice] for brightness or a touch more @[Honey] to balance.
  4. Pour the dressing over the massaged @[Curly Kale] and toss well to coat every leaf. Add the sliced @[Red Onion], dried @[Cranberries], and toasted @[Almonds], and toss again. Top with grated or shaved @[Parmesan Cheese]. Taste for seasoning and add more @[Sea Salt], @[Black Pepper], or @[Lemon Juice] as needed. Serve immediately or let it sit for ~[10–15 minutes] — the @[Curly Kale] will continue to soften and the flavors will meld beautifully.