Are you ready to transform your autumn dining experience with a dish that's not just a salad, but a nutritional powerhouse? Our Autumn Lentil Kale Salad with Parmesan is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of hearty lentils, nutrient-rich kale, and tangy Parmesan that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. This isn't just another boring salad; it's a culinary adventure that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While lentils are cooking, wash the kale leaves thoroughly and remove the tough central stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the cooked lentils in a colander and let them cool for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled lentils to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the chopped kale, ensuring the leaves are well-coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and gently mix to distribute.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly and avoid overcooking. The ideal texture is tender but still maintains a slight bite.
- Kale Preparation: Remove the tough stems and massage the kale with the dressing to soften the leaves and enhance flavor absorption.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate and develop deeper flavors.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted nuts, roasted vegetables, or swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Storage Tip: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
