Known by various names including Black Kale and Lacinato Kale, Dinosaur Kale is a hardy green with leaves that need to be thoroughly saturated with dressing. Serve immediately after composing as the garlic and lemon juice will break down the leaves causing them to wilt. Since kale holds up exceptionally well, we recommend making a little extra for just-as-fresh leftovers the next day.

Serves: 4 half-cup servings

Ingredients:

• ¼ c. panko breadcrumbs, toasted to golden brown
• ¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1–2 average-sized lemons (use your Microplane to zest one of the lemons before juicing)
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• ½ tsp. crushed red-pepper flakes
• 6 c. black kale, ribs removed, rinsed well, spun dry, and chopped
• ¼ c. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Spread the breadcrumbs on a small baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, and transfer into a cool dish to avoid overcooking.
3. Combine the lemon juice and garlic in a blender and blend over medium speed until mixed. Increase the blender speed to high, and slowly drizzle in the oil until smooth and thick. Ideally, this dressing will be very lemony and garlicky. Adjust flavors to your taste using additional lemon juice or fresh minced garlic.
4. Place the kale in a large bowl and toss with the dressing, coating well and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the leaves begin to wilt slightly. Add 2 Tbsp. of the cheese and all but two tsp. of the breadcrumbs to the kale; toss and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Divide the salad among four plates, and top each serving with 1½ tsp. of the remaining cheese, ½ tsp. of the breadcrumbs, a pinch of fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of the crushed red-pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Calories: 230; Total Fat: 16g; Carbohydrate: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Protein: 6g

This recipe is featured in Miraval’s Mindful Eating cookbook, which includes two hundred beautifully clean recipes and simple techniques for readers to use at home, allowing them to make smarter choices with a better understanding of portion size, ingredients, and cooking practices.