Description
A vibrant and crunchy Toasted Bread and Parmesan Kale Salad featuring finely chopped fresh kale, homemade golden crispy breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. This salad combines textures and bright flavors for an irresistibly fresh and satisfying side dish.
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
Breadcrumbs
- 6-8 slices French bread or baguette
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Salad
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5-6 cups fresh kale, very finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Place olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, minced shallot, and salt into a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously to combine all ingredients. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance acidity and saltiness.
- Make the Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying. The bread should become very dry and crusty. Remove from oven and let cool. Break the cooled bread into chunks and pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Toss the crumbs with melted butter, a good pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the buttered crumbs evenly on the baking sheet and bake again for 5-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped kale, toasted breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the prepared dressing. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the kale evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of fresh kale and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Notes
- This salad is packed with flavor and texture, making it the perfect side dish for many meals.
- Using stale or day-old bread works best for the breadcrumbs to achieve a good crunch.
- Finely chopping the kale helps to soften its texture and allows the dressing to coat every bite.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the crunchy texture of the breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
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
