Description
A refreshing and nutritious Kale Cherry Salad with tangy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a honey-red wine vinegar vinaigrette. This salad features tenderized kale through massaging, sweet and tart cherries, toasted nuts, and a vibrant shallot dressing, making it a perfect light meal or side dish packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups kale (stems removed and finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherries (pitted and cut in half)
- ¼ cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup pistachios (toasted and crushed)
- 2 shallots (sliced)
Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Massage the kale: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using your hands, gently squeeze and rub the kale leaves to soften them and make them tender and more flavorful. Toss well to ensure the kale is evenly coated with the oil.
- Add salad ingredients: To the massaged kale, add the halved cherries, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted crushed pistachios. Gently toss the mixture to combine all ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a jar with a secure lid, add the sliced shallots, honey, red wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Close the jar and shake it vigorously until the vinaigrette is well blended and emulsified, blending the flavors together.
- Toss the salad with vinaigrette: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the kale and salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the dressing, enhancing the flavors and softening the kale further for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Kale is hardy and can be washed and prepped days in advance without wilting, although washing just before preparing keeps it freshest.
- Allowing the salad to sit for a few hours after tossing with vinaigrette improves flavor and softens the kale leaves.
- Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as this will spoil the texture and taste.
Keywords: Kale salad, cherry salad, goat cheese salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe