The Best Kale Salad
Of all the salads I've tried, I think this is The Best Kale Salad. It's loaded with crispy bacon, toasted pecans, sweet tomatoes, and creamy avocado and Boursin cheese. There are also some caramelized onions in here, which might sound a bit strange, but taste incredible. You will LOVE it!
Of all the salads I've tried, I think this is The Best Kale Salad. It's loaded with crispy bacon, toasted pecans, sweet tomatoes, and creamy avocado and Boursin cheese. There are also some caramelized onions in here, which might sound a bit strange, but taste incredible. You will LOVE it!
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 medium carrot grated
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or sub apple cider vinega
- 1 small shallot very finely minced
- 1 small garlic clove very finely minced
- a pinch of sea and pepper
- â¾ cup pecans
- 4 cups curly kale, packed, washed and torn into bite-siz
- 2 tablespoons boursin cheese (omit for paleo)
- 1 ripe avocado chopped
- 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes cut in half
- Carbohydrate 14.4770709581692 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.49285563069225 g
- Fiber 4.42184366492776 g
- Protein 1.77273139231298 g
- Saturated Fat 1.09327870721768 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (112g)
- Sodium 28.7490506831605 mg
- Sugar 10.0552272932414 g
- Trans Fat 0.486141689207674 g
- Calories 122 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the white balsamic, honey, dijon mustard, shallot, and garlic. Slowly whisk in the oil in a slow and steady stream. Whisking the oil in slowly will help it to emulsify and become creamy. Season the dressing lightly with a pinch of sea salt and a few cranks of fresh cracked pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375. Place the pecans on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 6-7 minutes, or until they are light brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully as they burn easily.
- Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the bacon for 7-8 minutes, or until it is crispy but not burnt. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and, using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pan. Remove all but 2 teaspoons of bacon fat from the pan Reserve the bacon fat for another recipe.
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until they are quite soft and light brown.
- Add the kale, Boursin cheese, pecans, bacon, caramelized onions, carrot, avocado, cherry tomatoes to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and serve immediately.
The Best Kale Salad: A Busy Woman's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and delicious, and this kale salad ticks all the boxes. I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick and satisfying lunch option that wouldn't leave me feeling sluggish in the afternoon. What started as a simple weekday lunch quickly transformed into a family favorite, making appearances at potlucks and even holiday gatherings.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences. For a paleo version, simply omit the Boursin cheese. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or cheeses to create your unique flavor profile. The combination of crunchy bacon, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy white balsamic dressing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that keeps me coming back for more. It’s the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be prepped ahead of time. I often chop the vegetables and toast the pecans the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is assemble the salad and whisk up the dressing. This saves me precious minutes on busy weeknights, allowing me to focus on other important tasks. The caramelized onions might seem like an extra step, but trust me, they're worth it! Their sweetness adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire salad to another level.
This kale salad isn't just about convenience; it's about nourishing myself and my family with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Kale is packed with vitamins and nutrients, providing a powerful dose of goodness with every bite. The avocado contributes healthy fats, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a savory element. The pecans provide a boost of protein and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling meal. I always feel energized and satisfied after enjoying this salad.
Beyond the nutritional benefits, this kale salad is a stunning visual masterpiece. The vibrant colors of the kale, tomatoes, and avocado are pleasing to the eye, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. It's a salad that's as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating myself to a well-deserved healthy indulgence after a long day.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Don’t have Boursin cheese? Try another creamy cheese, or omit it entirely. Don’t have white balsamic vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works perfectly too. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds. This salad is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious and healthy meal, this kale salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant flavors, the satisfying crunch, and the feeling of knowing you're nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. It's a salad that truly lives up to its name: The Best Kale Salad.
