This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

ADVERTISEMENT

This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Kale Salad with Crispy Parmesan-Cauliflower Croutons

4 to 6 Servings

1 hour

Made This Recipe? Write a Review.
Thank you for submitting your review! A member of our team is confirming the review meets our site's Community Guidelines. It will be posted on the site shortly.

Italian frico takes a couple different cheese-centric forms. One resembles a thick pancake that typically consists of potatoes and onions bound with an enormous amount of Montasio, a semi-firm cheese from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of northeastern Italy. The other is a light, lacy wafer made by frying a thin layer of shredded or grated cheese until lightly browned and crisped. This salad takes loose inspiration from the latter sort. We roast cauliflower tossed with a modest amount of dried breadcrumbs, then we sprinkle the florets with grated Parmesan, along with chopped hazelnuts, during the final minutes in the oven. The cheese creates a crisp, toasty crust that brings complex taste and texture to shredded kale tossed with a lemon, olive oil and Parmesan dressing. The warmth from the cauliflower softens the leaves just enough, and while the florets cool, they absorb flavor. Serve the salad as a side dish or offer it as a light vegetarian main.

4 to 6

Servings

Tip

Don’t skip the kitchen parchment liner for the baking sheet. It prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the cauliflower mixture, especially the toasty cheese bits.

1 hour

Ingredients

  • 2½

    pound head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 1-inch florets

  • ½

    cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Directions

Reviews
JUDITH Y.
February 16, 2026
Hearty, Healthy Salad
I made as written, but maybe my cauliflower wasn't small enough. It was tasty and filling (and so healthy!), but my cauliflower didn't get crisp. I think maybe I used a little too much cauliflower, or didn't spread it our enough? I'll try again - I still really liked it!
FELECIA G.
January 2, 2026
Holds Up for a Couple Days
Prepared this salad as written several times now and it’s always delicious. I especially appreciate that the leftovers stay crisp and delicious the next day.
Rosie K.
September 1, 2025
Delicious
I've used cabbage the three times I've made this and marinated it and the red onion a bit longer. Great leftovers too.
Lorraine S.
May 17, 2025
DELICIOUS
Totally delicious — and also I recommend, as I did, making the crispy cauliflower croutons on their own
Kate J.
January 16, 2025
Kate with Cauliflower Croutons
I've made this three times and it's a hit. The cauliflower is the star. You could make it without the kale for a delicious side dish. I use a different vinaigrette than lemon and olive oil, which I find a little harsh sometimes. Definitely a keeper.

ADVERTISEMENT