Delicious Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan & Cranberries

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a salad that feels like a celebration in every bite? The Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries does just that. Its vibrant colors and delightful textures combine to create a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. With the crunch of almonds, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, and the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese, this salad tantalizes your taste buds while providing essential nutrients.

This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a festive holiday dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet weeknight at home, this dish will impress your guests and elevate your dining table. Imagine the fresh aroma of kale mingling with the nutty scent of toasted almonds as you toss this salad together. Prepare to indulge in an explosion of flavors that leaves you wanting more!

Key Ingredients For Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Kale: Choose firm, dark green leaves for the best texture and flavor; massaging them helps soften their natural toughness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for an authentic flavor; it adds a rich umami taste that complements the other ingredients.
• Sliced Almonds: Opt for raw or roasted sliced almonds for crunch; they provide healthy fats and protein to balance the greens.
• Dried Cranberries: Select unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberries for a burst of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dressing; it enhances flavor while adding healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; it helps to balance the richness of the cheese and almonds.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare the Kale

Wash the kale thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Second Step: Massage the Kale

Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Massage the leaves gently with your hands for about two minutes until they soften and become tender. This step enhances both flavor and texture.

Third Step: Toast the Almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about three to five minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.

Fourth Step: Combine Ingredients

Add toasted almonds, dried cranberries, grated Parmesan cheese, and remaining olive oil into the bowl with kale. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything before tossing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Fifth Step: Season

Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed based on personal preference; remember that cheese can add saltiness as well.

Serving Suggestion: Transfer your beautifully mixed salad onto plates or into bowls. Enjoy as a nutritious side dish or light main course!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale, quality cheese, and recent nuts will enhance overall flavor significantly.
• Customize Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken or quinoa for added protein; be creative!
• Make Ahead: Prepare elements like toasted almonds or chopped kale in advance but wait until serving time to mix all ingredients together.

Presentation Ideas

This Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Chicken: The salad complements grilled chicken beautifully. The flavors harmonize well, making it a perfect side dish for a hearty meal.
• Quinoa Bowl: Serve this salad alongside a quinoa bowl topped with roasted vegetables. The textures and tastes blend seamlessly, adding nutrition and flavor.
• Crusty Bread: Pair your kale salad with some freshly baked crusty bread. It completes the meal while providing a satisfying crunch.

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is often hailed as a superfood for good reason. This leafy green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which promote overall health. The antioxidants in kale help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, its high fiber content aids digestion and supports gut health. Including this Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries in your diet can significantly enhance your nutritional intake.

Variations of the Recipe

You can easily customize this Simple Kale Salad to suit your taste preferences. For instance, consider adding diced apples or pears for a sweet crunch. If you prefer a different protein source, try incorporating chickpeas or grilled shrimp. You can also experiment with various nuts such as walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for added flavor depth.

Storage Tips

To keep your Simple Kale Salad fresh for longer, store the salad components separately. Keep the kale and other veggies in one container and the dressing in another. This prevents the leaves from wilting too quickly. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad again, simply mix everything together just before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the dressing for my Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries?

Creating the dressing for your Simple Kale Salad is quick and easy. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until all ingredients are well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste based on your preference. This light dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering them.

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Absolutely! While this recipe features kale prominently, you can substitute other greens like spinach or arugula if desired. Each green brings its unique flavor profile; however, they may not provide the same texture that kale offers when massaged with the dressing.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Simple Kale Salad can last up to three days in the refrigerator. However, for optimal freshness and crunchiness, consume it within two days after preparation to ensure peak flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Simple Kale Salad is excellent for meal prep since its ingredients hold up well over time when stored separately. Prepare all components ahead of time and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This ensures a fresh taste while saving you time during busy weekdays!

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Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries

• Author: christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Simple Kale Salad with Parmesan, Almonds, and Cranberries. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from toasted almonds, a tangy sweetness from cranberries, and the rich umami of freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for any occasion, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is an explosion of color and flavor that will elevate your dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh kale, chopped (about 120g)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50g)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (70g)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)

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Instructions

1. 1. **Prepare the Kale**: Wash kale thoroughly and remove tough stems. Tear into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
2. 2. **Massage the Kale**: Drizzle kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Massage gently for about 2 minutes until tender.
3. 3. **Toast the Almonds**: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
4. 4. **Combine Ingredients**: In the bowl with kale, add toasted almonds, cranberries, Parmesan cheese, remaining olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
5. 5. **Season**: Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: - Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. - Customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. - Prepare components ahead of time; mix just before serving for freshness.