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The Best Kale Salad Ever

by Jessie Daye

First published: January 25, 2016 | Updated: June 10, 2026

I have been making this salad for years. It is literally my favorite salad.
Salty homemade croutons. Spicy red pepper flakes. Crunchy kale. Fresh lemon.
Sold.

The Best Crunchy Kale Salad Ever

Ingredients
1 large bunch kale

1/4 loaf rustic bread

1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese

Lemon Dressing
2 small garlic cloves (smashed with garlic press)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

Freshly squeezed juice of one large lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

2. Cut your 1/4 of a rustic bread into small 1 inches squares and toss them on a baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Oilve oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Bake for about 5 minutes until slightly brown. Remove from oven and set aside.

3. Prepare salad by ripping your washed (and dried) kale and placing in a large bowl. Set aside.

4. Whisk all ingredients together for the lemon dressing. Pour on kale salad. Toss with fresh homemade croutons and 1/2 cup Pecorino cheese (or more). Yum!

The Best Crunchy Kale Salad Ever

Author: Jessie Daye
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Cook 5 minutes
A fresh kale salad with homemade croutons, Pecorino cheese, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch kale washed and dried
  • ¼ loaf rustic bread
  • ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese or more
  • 2 small garlic cloves smashed with garlic press
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon freshly squeezed juice
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil for croutons

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Cut your 1/4 of a rustic bread into small 1 inch squares and toss them on a baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake for about 5 minutes until slightly brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. Prepare salad by ripping your washed and dried kale and placing in a large bowl. Set aside.
  4. Whisk all ingredients together for the lemon dressing. Pour on kale salad. Toss with fresh homemade croutons and 1/2 cup Pecorino cheese.

Notes

This salad features salty homemade croutons, spicy red pepper flakes, crunchy kale, and fresh lemon.

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Hi, I'm Jessie. 

I’m a Los Angeles mama, home renovator, and lifelong creative, sharing the things that make everyday life a little more beautiful. I believe food is one of the best ways to bring people together, which is why I love cooking: it turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering. From recipes I make on repeat to DIY projects, home design, and a little bit of real life in between — welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m so glad you’re here.

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