Imagine a salad so delicious and nutritious that it makes eating greens feel like an absolute treat! Our Everyday Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad is not just another boring health food – it's a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich masterpiece that will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating. With a perfect balance of crisp textures, zesty lemon, and savory Parmesan, this salad proves that nutritious can be incredibly delectable.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kale, chopped
- Brussels sprouts, shredded
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the kale and Brussels sprouts under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove the tough stems from the kale and finely chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even texture.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, carefully shred the Brussels sprouts into thin, delicate slices to create a light and airy base for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and shredded Brussels sprouts, creating a vibrant green mixture.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the greens, using enough to lightly coat the vegetables and enhance their natural flavors.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad, which will help tenderize the kale and add a bright, citrusy note to the dish.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Gently massage the kale and Brussels sprouts with your hands for 2-3 minutes, which helps break down the tough fibers and softens the greens.
- Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to meld with the olive oil and lemon juice.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the greens to absorb the dressing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nutritious and flavorful side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Massage Matters: The key to an amazing kale salad is massaging the greens. This technique breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale tender and more palatable.
- Freshness is Crucial: Use the freshest kale and Brussels sprouts you can find. Look for crisp, vibrant green leaves without any yellowing or wilting.
- Slice Thin: When shredding Brussels sprouts, aim for paper-thin slices to ensure a delicate texture and even flavor distribution.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and the greens to soften slightly.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-grated cheese lacks the same depth of taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or additional herbs to make this recipe your own.
- Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a while, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
