Imagine a salad so vibrant, so bursting with flavor, that it makes you forget you're eating something healthy. This Parmesan Arugula Kale Salad with Pine Nuts is not just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With its perfect balance of peppery arugula, hearty kale, nutty pine nuts, and rich Parmesan, this Italian-inspired creation is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Arugula
- Kale, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pine nuts, toasted
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Rinse the arugula and kale under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and arugula. Use your hands to gently toss the greens together until they are well mixed.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the greens. The cheese will add a rich, savory flavor to the salad.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts. Stir them frequently for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- Add the toasted pine nuts to the salad mixture. They will provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity and seasoning according to your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the greens are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Parmesan Arugula Kale Salad with Pine Nuts!
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp greens and dry them thoroughly to ensure the dressing clings perfectly.
- Toast pine nuts slowly and watch carefully—they can burn quickly due to their high oil content.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
- Massage the kale gently with your hands before adding other ingredients to break down its tough fibers and enhance its tenderness.
- Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra richness, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
