Simple Kale and Romaine Salad

Name: Simple Kale and Romaine Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 head of romaine; 1 small bunch of kale – you can use curly kale or lacinato kale; 3 1/2 tbsp olive oil; Juice from 1 lemon; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp shallot, minced; 1/4 tsp Kosher salt; 1/4 tsp Pepper

posted by Alex Aldeborgh on May 27, 2022 (last updated 1/9/23) 2 comments »

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This simple kale and romaine salad is the perfect side salad to serve with any meal. It features a delicious homemade parmesan vinaigrette! It’s easy to make and ready to eat in about 15 minutes.

As a Registered Dietitian, I love to throw together a simple side salad to have with pretty much any meal. Salads are a no cook, low effort side that can be absolutely delicious when done right!

This simple kale and romaine salad with parmesan vinaigrette is the perfect side salad for pasta, pizza, fish, or anything you can think of. It’s zesty, crunchy, and so fresh tasting – it is bound to become a new favorite of yours.

No special equipment is needed to make this easy side salad recipe, and it’s ready in just 15 minutes. As a side, this serves four people generously. Before making this recipe, you may want to check out this post about how to prepare kale.

Ingredients in kale and romaine salad

Here is everything you need to make this simple salad, including the parmesan vinaigrette:

Kale – you can use curly kale or lacinato (aka dinosaur) kale for this recipe
Romaine lettuce
Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Shallot
Salt
Pepper

How to make kale and romaine salad

Wash the kale and romaine in cold water.
Thoroughly dry each kale and romaine leaf, either using a clean dish towel or a salad spinner to get rid of as much water as you can.
Chop the romaine.
Remove the kale leaves from the tough kale stem. Discard the stem, then chop up the kale leaves.
Prepare the dressing: add olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, diced shallot, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a small jar. Close the jar and shake it up well so everything is combined.
Put just the kale in a large salad bowl and pour the dressing over it. Use your hands to gently massage the dressing into the kale for 30 seconds or so, just until the leaves start to soften.
Add the romaine to the bowl and toss it in with the kale, so all the greens are well coated in the dressing.
Serve it up and enjoy!

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

If you want to prepare this salad a day in advance, I recommend leaving it undressed, and adding the dressing right before serving.

While kale does not get soggy when stored with salad dressing, romaine can lose it’s crunch.

Jar of parmesan lemon vinaigrette on a white marble surface

Kale in a salad bowl tossed with dressing

Serving suggestions

This is the best side salad for pretty much any meal or main dish! It’s a healthy addition to:

Pasta recipes
Pizza
Eggplant Parmesan
Fish and seafood, such as salmon, shrimp, or cod
Tofu of tempeh

Kale nutrition benefits

Kale is a nutrition powerhouse! One cup of raw kale provides:

2 grams of dietary fiber
3 grams of plant-based protein
Over 100 percent of your daily Vitamin C needs
Over 200 percent of your daily Vitamin A needs, from beta-carotene
Over 600 percent of your daily Vitamin K needs
Other micronutrients, including calcium, manganese, copper, and potassium

Kale has several antioxidants, including Vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight inflammation, keep our cells healthy, and protect against certain diseases.

Is romaine lettuce healthy?

Yes! Romaine is certainly a healthy leafy green to include in your diet. One head of romaine lettuce (the amount used in this salad) provides:

5 grams of fiber
5 grams of plant-based protein
155 percent of your daily Vitamin A needs
36 percent of your daily folate needs
38 percent of your daily Vitamin C needs
Nearly 400 percent of your daily Vitamin K needs
18 percent of your daily iron needs

While kale is a more concentrated source of nutrition (more nutrients in a smaller amount), there is no need to discount romaine as unhealthy! It still has plenty of benefits.

Let me know if you love this recipe by leaving a comment or star rating below, and check out Instagram and Pinterest for more healthy lifestyle inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!