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Crispy Mushroom Kale Salad with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Dressing Recipe

4.7 from 124 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Crispy Mushroom Kale Salad featuring golden sautéed cremini mushrooms, tender massaged kale, creamy Parmesan garlic dressing, and fresh avocado slices for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Crispy Mushrooms

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 6 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, plus extra for serving

Kale Salad

  • 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a food processor, combine plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Sauté the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add olive oil and finely chopped garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms along with pepper, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes without stirring too frequently, allowing the mushrooms to develop a crispy, golden crust. Once cooked, season with salt and stir in chopped fresh thyme.
  3. Massage the kale: While the mushrooms cook, place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale for several minutes until it softens and reduces in volume. Toss the massaged kale with a few tablespoons of the prepared dressing to coat evenly.
  4. Assemble the salad: Arrange the dressed kale on serving plates or a large bowl. Top with the crispy sautéed mushrooms and layer thin slices of avocado. Drizzle additional dressing over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, avoid stirring mushrooms too often while cooking to allow a crust to form.
  • Massaging kale is essential to soften it and reduce bitterness.
  • You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms if necessary.
  • This salad can be served as a light main course or a side dish.
  • Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: kale salad, crispy mushrooms, creamy parmesan garlic dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, cremini mushrooms, avocado, vegetable salad