Imagine a salad so vibrant, so packed with flavor, that it makes healthy eating feel like an indulgence rather than a chore. Our Lemon Garlic Kale Salad with Almonds is not just another boring green dish – it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and crunchy almonds, this salad is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the kale. Rinse the 4 cups of kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and place the kale on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and discard them. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the garlic. Peel 2 cloves of garlic and finely mince them using a knife or a garlic press. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the kale.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Whisk together until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the lemon and olive oil dressing over the chopped kale and garlic. Using your hands or a pair of tongs, gently massage the dressing into the kale for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to soften the kale and infuse it with flavor.
- After massaging, add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds to the salad. Toss everything together until the almonds are evenly distributed throughout the kale.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Toss the salad again to ensure even seasoning.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also gives the kale a bit more time to soften.
- Once ready, serve the Lemon Garlic Kale Salad with Almonds in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy your healthy and refreshing salad!
Tips
- Massage is Key: Don't skip the massaging step! Massaging the kale with dressing helps break down the tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to eat.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, crisp kale for the most vibrant flavor and texture. Look for leaves that are deep green and free from yellowing.
- Customize Your Crunch: While almonds are delicious, feel free to experiment with other nuts like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for variety.
- Make it Ahead: This salad actually gets better as it sits, so it's perfect for meal prep or making in advance.
- Boost the Protein: Add some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Garlic Tip: For the most intense flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before adding the olive oil to help release its full flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 423kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
