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 zesty, crunchy, and so fresh tasting – it is bound to become a new favorite of yours. 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.

This simple kale and romaine salad with parmesan vinaigrette is the perfect side salad for pasta, pizza, fish, or anything you can think of.

Speaking of the parmesan vinaigrette, my husband and I are ADDICTED and make it all the time now.

Before making this recipe, you may want to check out this post about how to prepare kale.

Prefer spinach to romaine? Try my everyday kale and spinach side salad recipe!

How to make kale and romaine salad

  1. Wash the kale and romaine in cold water.
  2. 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.
  3. Chop the romaine.
  4. Remove the kale leaves from the tough kale stem. Discard the stem, then chop up the kale leaves.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add the romaine to the bowl and toss it in with the kale, so all the greens are well coated in the dressing.
  8. Serve it up and enjoy!
Jar of parmesan lemon vinaigrette on a white marble surface
Kale in a salad bowl tossed with dressing

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!

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Kale and romaine salad in a bowl sitting on a white dish towel, surrounded by some of the salad ingredients and gold salad spoons

Simple Kale and Romaine Salad

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  • Author: Alex Aldeborgh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4
  • Category: salad
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 1 head of romaine
  • 1 small bunch of kale – you can use curly kale or lacinato kale

Parmesan Vinaigrette

  • 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
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Instructions

  1. Wash the kale and romaine.
  2. Thoroughly dry each leaf, either with a clean dish towel or using a salad spinner.
  3. Chop the romaine and set aside.
  4. Remove the leaves of kale from the tough stem. Discard the stem and chop the leaves into it bite size pieces.
  5. Prepare the parmesan vinaigrette: add all of the dressing ingredients to a small jar. Close the jar, then shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined.
  6. Put the kale in a large salad or mixing bowl. Pour the dressing on the kale, and use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale for about 30 seconds, until the leaves start to soften.
  7. Add the romaine and mix it in with the kale, so that all the leaves are well coated in the dressing.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

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.

Nutrition Disclaimer

As a Registered Dietitian, I create nutritionally-balanced recipes using whole food ingredients to promote good health and well-being.  Additionally, I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. My nutrition philosophy encompasses an all-foods-fit approach, and I do not promote tracking calories, macronutrients, or other numbers. Nevertheless, I understand that this information can be educational and helpful for some people.

I cannot guarantee complete accuracy of the nutrition information provided here, as these numbers are estimates. Nutrition is individualized. If you have specific nutrition needs, please consult your physician or a Registered Dietitian. 

More Kale Salads

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Fall Kale Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Apples

Kale Salad with Creamy Goddess Dressing (Vegan, Gluten Free)