Description
This Toasted Bread and Parmesan Kale Salad is a deliciously crisp and fresh salad featuring finely chopped kale tossed with homemade buttery toasted breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a bright lemon and orange juice dressing. It combines crunchy textures with tangy, savory flavors, making it a perfect healthy side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- Juice of one lemon
- Juice of one orange
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toast and Salad
- 6-8 slices French bread or baguette
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5-6 cups fresh kale, very finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Place all the dressing ingredients—olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, minced shallot, and salt—into a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake well to combine all the flavors thoroughly. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the slices of French bread or baguette on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even drying. Once the bread is completely dried out and crusty, remove from the oven and let it cool. Break the bread into smaller pieces and pulse in a food processor until coarse breadcrumbs form.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: Toss the fresh breadcrumbs with the melted butter, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the buttered breadcrumbs evenly on a baking sheet and return to the oven, baking for another 5-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped kale, toasted buttery breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of crisp kale and crunchy breadcrumbs, enhanced by the zesty, tangy dressing.
Notes
- This kale salad is incredibly flavorful and texturally delightful, combining fresh greens with homemade toasted breadcrumbs and a citrusy dressing.
- Using fresh baguette or French bread for breadcrumbs adds a wonderful rustic crunch that store-bought crumbs cannot match.
- Make sure the kale is very finely chopped for easier eating and better dressing absorption.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3.2 g
- Sodium: 384 mg
- Fat: 17.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approximately 11.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.2 g
- Fiber: 3.2 g
- Protein: 6.6 g
- Cholesterol: 20.1 mg
