Lacinato Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad

Lacinato Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad: A Simple, Yet Stunning Dish

As a busy professional, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Lacinato kale and ricotta salata salad is a perfect example. Inspired by a classic antipasto, this salad is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that will elevate any meal.

What truly sets this salad apart is the unexpected star: Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale. Often relegated to the sauté pan or the steamer, this robust green shines in its raw form. Its slightly peppery taste and tender texture, when thinly sliced, create a delightful contrast to the salty, creamy ricotta salata. The simple lemon-shallot vinaigrette perfectly complements these ingredients, tying them together in a harmonious dance of flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s the kind of salad that can be easily prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can also customize it to your liking. Feel free to add other ingredients such as toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. The possibilities are endless!

The Magic of Lacinato Kale

Lacinato kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its dark green leaves are rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C, essential nutrients for maintaining good health. Including more leafy greens like Lacinato kale in your diet can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and can boost your energy levels. The slightly bitter taste of the kale is wonderfully balanced by the creamy ricotta salata and bright lemon vinaigrette, making this a truly delightful culinary experience.

The Ease of Preparation

This recipe is quick and straightforward. The key is to thinly slice the kale. This ensures that it won't be tough and allows the dressing to penetrate the leaves properly. A sharp knife is your best friend here. If you’re short on time, you can even use a food processor to quickly shred the kale. Beyond the kale slicing, the rest of the recipe involves simply whisking together the dressing ingredients and tossing everything together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. It can serve as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish to accompany grilled fish or chicken, or even as a vibrant component of a larger antipasto spread. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it a perfect light yet satisfying meal. The salad also holds up well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it later. It is a stunning dish that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Beyond the Recipe: A Celebration of Simple Ingredients

This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don't need complicated ingredients or elaborate techniques to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Sometimes, the simplest combinations of fresh, high-quality ingredients are the most rewarding. This salad is a celebration of those simple ingredients – the robust Lacinato kale, the salty ricotta salata, the bright lemon, and the pungent shallot – all working together to create a culinary masterpiece.

So, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of simplicity. Try this recipe, and I'm confident you'll be amazed at how much flavor can be packed into such a simple dish. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your repertoire, a go-to when you need a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal that's both impressive and satisfying.

Step-by-step

• Working in batches, cut kale crosswise into very thin slices.
• Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well.
• Toss kale and ricotta salata in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat well, then season with salt and pepper.