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Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing is a refreshing and nutrient-packed dish combining crisp kale leaves, smoky crispy turkey bacon, and a bright lemon dressing made with natural ingredients. Finished with sunflower seeds and plant-based Parmesan cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a healthy lunch or side dish any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh kale leaves, rinsed, stems removed, chopped
  • 4 slices turkey bacon
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons plant-based Parmesan cheese (plant-based), optional

Dressing Ingredients

  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kale: Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly, remove the thick stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt for 2 to 3 minutes until the leaves feel tender and slightly wilted to reduce bitterness and soften texture.
  2. Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crisp and caramelized. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then crumble into smaller pieces for easy mixing.
  3. Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic, maple syrup (natural), salt, and black pepper until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, bright dressing.
  4. Toss the Salad: Combine the massaged kale and crumbled turkey bacon in a large salad bowl. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss well to coat every leaf evenly. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds and plant-based Parmesan cheese (plant-based) on top for a crunchy and savory finish.

Notes

  • Massage the kale properly to soften and reduce bitterness.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant dressing.
  • Cook turkey bacon until crispy for best texture contrast.
  • Adjust maple syrup and lemon juice to balance sweet and tart flavors.
  • Add sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Do not freeze the salad to prevent texture and flavor loss.
  • Reheat turkey bacon separately if desired, as this is a cold salad.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, turkey bacon salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/kale-salad-with-lemon-dressing/