Kale salad with balsamic, pine nuts, cranberries and parmesan
This kale salad features a blend of crunchy pine nuts, sweet cranberries, and savory parmesan, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. It's a nutritious option perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup pine nuts1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vinegar
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tbsp honey
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 cups kale
1/2 tsp black pepper
Kale salad with balsamic, pine nuts, cranberries, and parmesan is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines a variety of textures and tastes. Kale, known for its health benefits, is paired with crunchy pine nuts, sweet and tart cranberries, and savory parmesan cheese. The balsamic dressing adds a tangy finish that ties the salad together. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a nutritious addition to any meal.
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/3 cup of pine nuts and toast them gently, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 4 cups of chopped kale leaves. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for a few minutes until the leaves begin to soften and darken in color. This will make the kale more tender and pleasant to eat.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the massaged kale. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and the 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the bowl. Toss everything together until the kale leaves are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the dressed kale. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Transfer the kale salad to a serving dish. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the top. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to a day.
This kale salad with balsamic, pine nuts, cranberries, and parmesan is not only healthy but also delightfully delicious. With the combination of crisp kale, nutritious pine nuts, sweet cranberries, and savory parmesan, it is sure to become a favorite. Follow the tips provided to enhance the flavors and enjoy a perfect balance in every bite. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress.
Kale salad with balsamic, pine nuts, cranberries and parmesan FAQ:
You can substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds, walnuts, or almonds for a similar crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind that different nuts may slightly alter the taste and texture.
The kale salad can be refrigerated for up to one day. However, it's best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal freshness and texture.
The kale is properly massaged when it becomes darker in color and slightly softer in texture. This usually takes a few minutes of gentle rubbing with your hands.
A large mixing bowl is recommended to allow enough space for massaging the kale and tossing all ingredients together without spilling.
Yes, to make the salad vegan, omit the honey and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Tips:
- Massaging the kale: Massaging the kale with a little olive oil and salt can help soften the leaves, making them more palatable and easier to digest. This also enhances the absorption of the dressing.
- Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown will enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of crunch to the salad.
- Using quality parmesan: Opt for a good quality parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated. The superior texture and flavor will elevate your salad.
- Balancing the dressing: Adjust the quantity of honey and vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more honey; for more tanginess, increase the vinegar.
- Add fruit slices: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh fruit slices like apples or pears. They pair wonderfully with the other ingredients in the salad.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 80kcal
Protein 2.69g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 1.75g
Sugar 4.48g
Fat 10g
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