Lemon Garlic Kale Salad with Prosciutto and Parmesan

For a simple yet elegant side dish or dinner, make this Lemon Kale Salad with Prosciutto and Parmesan. This brings a ton of flavor to your basic Kale Salad Recipe with a lemon garlic dressing, salty prosciutto, pine nuts and shaved parmesan cheese. Serve as a side or entrée. This recipe is gluten free and grain free with Paleo, Whole30 options.

overhead photo of kale salad recipe with prosciutto and parmesan. red wine, cork and breadsticks on the side

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Easy Dinner Salad

Sometimes you just feel like making a simple dish with loads of flavor. This is my favorite type of recipe. No cooking, minimal effort and maximum flavor!

As with most of my ‘Lemon’ flavored recipes . . . this lemon garlic kale salad dressing is NOT timid. If I say it tastes like lemon . . . it. tastes. like. lemon.

You have been warned. So if you prefer a mild lemon flavor, reduce the amount of lemon juice or use Meyer Lemons if available. Meyer lemons tend to be quite a bit milder that regular lemons.

The bright lemony dressing is a nice contrast to the earthiness of this kale salad.

kale salad being served with a fork and spoon

Which type of kale is best for salad?

I use baby kale because it is convenient (comes in a bag), is already tender and bite sized. You can use the large leaf kale with a little extra prep. This will require you to remove the stems and massage longer to tenderize.

Can this be made Paleo or Whole30?

Yes! Just omit the cheese and this is a Paleo, Whole30 compliant recipe. Omit the prosciutto and cheese for vegan, vegetarian friendly recipe.

Why is kale salad good for you?

Kale is low in calories, rich in vitamins Beta-Carotene, K and C. Overall it is considered a super-food! Anything that green has got to be good for you!

What tools do you need for this recipe?

You will need a Citrus Juicer for the lemons and a Microplane Grater for the garlic.

What should you serve with this kale salad?

This can be a complete meal for 2 or a side dish for 4. If serving this as an entrée, bread and wine are the perfect sides. If this is a side dish, it would be great with Spinach Garlic Meatballs, Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks or Oven Roasted Chicken.

Tips → Tricks → Suggestions →

  • Buy pre-washed bagged baby kale and pre-shaved parmesan for a shortcut. Then this meal can be ready in less than 15 minutes!
  • Massaging the kale makes it tender. We are using baby kale that is already more tender than mature kale, so feel free to skip the massage if you prefer.
  • Watch out for any cuts on your hands while massaging the kale. That lemon will really sting! 😆

More tasty kale recipes for your menu →

Kale Turkey Soup
Grapefruit Kale Smoothie

Kale Slaw
Kale & Quinoa Bites

deep green kale salad topped with pine nuts, prosciutto, parmesan cheese. breadsticks and a glass of red wine on the side

deep green kale salad topped with pine nuts, prosciutto, parmesan cheese. breadsticks and a glass of red wine on the side

Lemon Kale Salad with Prosciutto and Parmesan

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

For a simple yet elegant side dish or dinner, make this Lemon Kale Salad with Prosciutto and Parmesan. This brings a ton of flavor to your basic Kale Salad Recipe with a lemon garlic dressing, salty prosciutto, pine nuts and shaved parmesan cheese. Serve as a side or entrée. This recipe is gluten free and grain free with Paleo, Whole30 options.

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces Baby Kale
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice*
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1-2 Garlic Cloves, (grated)
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Toasted Pine Nuts
  • 1/2 Cup Shaved Parmesan, (or a shaved Italian Cheese Blend)
  • 2-3 ounces Prosciutto

Instructions

  1. In large bowl, combine kale, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Massage for 1-2 minutes or until tender.
  2. Toss with remaining ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

*If you prefer a mild lemon flavor, reduce the amount of lemon juice or use Meyer Lemons if available. Meyer lemons tend to be quite a bit milder that regular lemons.

**This can be a complete meal for 2 or a side dish for 4.

***Just omit the cheese and this is a Paleo, Whole30 compliant recipe. Omit the prosciutto and cheese for vegan, vegetarian friendly recipe.

Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 303Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 40mgSodium 1526mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 18g

Nutritional information on WonkyWonderful is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

kale salad pinnable image with title text

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