Authentic Florida’s Delicious, Summer Kale Salad Recipe

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

The heat and humidity are back and eating light, healthy foods help to keep our energy flowing so we can get out and enjoy all the benefits of living in the Sunshine State. We recommend trying this lemony kale salad.  It’s a simple kale salad recipe that includes a little olive oil, tomatoes, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and walnuts.

Kale Salad Recipe

Kale has become increasingly popular over the past several years. With unsurpassed health benefits, kale is a wonder veggie. High in beta-carotene, vitamin K & C, and calcium, it has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory nutrients. From the cabbage family, kale is not only good for you, it tastes delicious, too.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of kale (may replace one kale bunch with romaine or arugula)
• 3 cups of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup of croutons* (may use store-bought)
• 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (thin shavings) 
• 3-4 lemons
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• Rinse and dry kale. Cut and discard tough, middle stems. Stack the leaves, a few at a time,  cut ¼ inch strips across the leaves. Place in a large bowl.
• Use a juicer or hand press to juice the lemons.
• Combine and whisk the lemon juice and olive oil, add salt and pepper. Pour over the kale and thoroughly mix.

• Place in the refrigerator and let the kale sit in the mixture for at least 1 hour, stirring and frequently mixing to allow the juice to soften the kale.
• Cut the cherry tomatoes in ½ or quarters depending on the individual size and place them in a separate bowl.
• Using a cheese grater, grate 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, set aside.
• Using a cheese shaver (or grater), slice ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, set aside.

• ake out the kale mixture, mix
• Add the tomatoes
• Add the grated Parmesan
• Mix salad
• Top the salad with croutons, walnuts, shaved Parmesan
• * To make your own croutons:
• Using any kind of bread (6 slices) cut with crust, in cubed pieces
• On a baking pan place the cubed bread, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper with 1 clove, minced garlic
• With hands mix up the ingredients, so evenly covered
• Bake at 350 degrees, 9-11 minutes, tossing with a spatula ½ way through

       Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens Recipe Lemony Kale Salad with Tomatoes

Looking for even more delicious recipes using Florida produce? Check out:

• Authentic Florida’s Sour Orange Pie Recipe
• Authentic Homemade Tomato Soup
• An Authentic Florida Recipe: Seville Orange Curd
• A Simply Fabulous Florida Strawberry Cake Recipe