Description
A vibrant and nutritious Kale Cherry Salad featuring tender massaged kale, sweet cherries, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a flavorful red wine vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish that holds well when prepared ahead.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups kale (stems removed and finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherries (pitted and cut in half)
- 1/4 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup pistachios (toasted and crushed)
Vinaigrette
- 2 shallots (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Massage kale: In a large bowl, add the kale and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the kale with your hands, gently squeezing and rubbing it to soften the leaves. Then toss well to ensure all kale pieces are evenly coated with oil, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Mix remaining salad ingredients: Add the pitted cherries, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted crushed pistachios to the massaged kale. Gently toss to combine the salad ingredients evenly.
- Make vinaigrette: In a jar with a lid, combine the sliced shallots, honey, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is well blended and emulsified.
- Toss salad and vinaigrette: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly so the kale and other ingredients are thoroughly coated with the vinaigrette, enhancing all the flavors.
Notes
- Kale is hardy and can be washed and prepped days in advance without wilting, though for the freshest taste it’s best to wash it just before preparing the salad.
- Making the salad a few hours ahead improves flavor and texture, as the vinaigrette softens the tough kale leaves.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it will affect texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
