Wash, dry, and remove leaves from the stem if starting with a bunch of curly kale. Finely chop the kale leaves and add them to a medium-large bowl.
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle about half a teaspoon onto the chopped kale.
Gently massage the dressing into the kale leaves using your hands until they darken in color and become tender and silky.
After massaging, toss the kale with any remaining dressing for added flavor.
Top the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish.
For an extra crispy topping, place croutons in a plastic bag or between two paper towels. Use a bottle of olive oil to crush them into small panko-sized pieces before sprinkling over your salad just before serving.