I’m always looking for ways to elevate a simple salad into something crave-worthy, and this Kale salad with Pumpkin Parmesan Croutons hits all the marks. Think golden, crispy Parmesan-coated pumpkin “croutons” tossed over a big bowl of silky, massaged kale. It’s hearty, bright, and feels just fancy enough without an ounce of fuss.
Why You’ll Love It (I sure do!)
- Crave-worthy texture: Crispy pumpkin + tender kale = total win.
- Flavor that pops: Sweet pumpkin, nutty Parmesan, and zingy lemon dressing.
- Flexible by design: Swap greens, change the cheese, add protein – it all works.
- Meal-prep friendly: Roast the pumpkin and wash your greens ahead to save time.
How I Make It Shine
I roast small pumpkin cubes until they’re caramelized and crisp, thanks to a generous shower of Parmesan. While they bake, I massage the kale with olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt until it softens and turns glossy. When the pumpkin comes out of the oven, I toss everything together and finish with more lemon, more olive oil, and maybe a sprinkle of nuts or seeds if I’m feeling fancy.
Make It Your Own
Because you know I love flexibility:
- Switch pumpkin for butternut squash or sweet potato.
- Try Pecorino or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even a jammy egg for an easy main.
- Bring in fresh herbs, pomegranate, or dried cranberries for an extra layer.
When I Serve It
This salad shows up at my weeknight dinners, brunch spreads, and dinner parties. It’s gorgeous, satisfying, and always gets those “what’s in this?” questions.
Make-Ahead Tips
Roast the pumpkin ahead and re-crisp it before serving; wash your kale in advance; keep the dressing separate until it’s go-time. Easy, elevated, and no stress.
Why I Keep Coming Back to It
It’s everything I love about flexible cooking: simple ingredients, thoughtful technique, and a result that feels far more special than the effort it takes. It’s the kind of salad you make once… and then suddenly you’re craving it every week.
Love this salad? Try these next:
- Blackened Sea Bass Ceasar Salad (with a vegan twist!)
- Quinoa Salad with Herbs, Chickpeas and Pistachios
- Kale Salad with Crispy Sweet Potato Croutons
Pumpkin Parmesan Croutons Kale Salad
Ingredients
Pumpkin Parmesan Croutons
- 3-4 cups pumpkin flesh
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 large bunch kale (stems removed, leaves finely chopped)
- 1 small shallot thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ ½ lemon juiced
- Shaved or extra grated Parmesan, for topping
Dressing
- 1 large garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or more)
- 3 anchovy fillets preferably packed in oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (or more)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ oz Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
Dressing
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In a small bowl, stir together the garlic and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the garlic can mellow and infuse the lemon juice - it’s like a quick flavor bath.
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Finely chop the anchovies on a cutting board. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and use the side of your knife to mash and smear it into a rough paste. Don’t skip this step - it’s the secret to that rich, savory depth we all love in a great Caesar.
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Add the anchovy paste into the bowl with the lemon-garlic mixture. Whisk in the mayo, Worcestershire, pepper, and a handful of grated Parmesan. Taste and tweak - add a little more lemon juice or salt if it needs balance.
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Cover and chill until you’re ready to dress things up.
Salad
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center.
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Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and peel the skin. Cut the flesh into ¾ to 1-inch cubes, trying to keep them fairly uniform for even roasting.
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Place the cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss until everything is coated.
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Brush a 13" x 9" area of a bare metal baking sheet with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the oiled area. Arrange the pumpkin slices on top of the cheese, packing them closely together so each piece rests on the Parmesan layer.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and the cheese underneath is golden and crisp. Let it cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then use a thin metal spatula to gently lift the pumpkin with its crispy Parmesan base intact.
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Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale for a minute or two, until it softens, darkens in color, and becomes tender.
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Drizzle in about ¼ cup of the dressing and toss to coat the kale. Add half of the roasted pumpkin and a handful of shaved Parmesan, then toss gently to combine.
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Transfer the dressed kale to a serving bowl or platter. Arrange the remaining pumpkin and a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan over the top. Serve the rest of the dressing on the side for drizzling.
Up close and craveable – every leaf glistens, every crouton crisps. This kale salad is anything but ordinary.
