Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect dish to brighten up your summer gatherings. Bursting with fresh flavors from cherries and blueberries, this salad also offers a satisfying crunch from pecans and the savory touch of Turkey Bacon. It’s not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for backyard BBQs, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. This vibrant salad is sure to impress your friends and family alike with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of cherries and blueberries adds a burst of sweetness that complements the kale perfectly.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes needed, this salad can be whipped up quickly for any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it adapts well to various meal settings.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what’s in season or available in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the preparation easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium sauté pan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without spilling, ensuring an even mix.
• Medium sauté pan: Perfect for cooking the Turkey Bacon until crispy, enhancing the flavor of the salad.
• Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing properly, ensuring a smooth blend of ingredients.

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Ingredients

To make this refreshing Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, gather these ingredients:

For the Salad

• 6 cups kale leaves, massaged
• 6 strips Turkey Bacon, diced
• 1 cup cherries, halved (seeds removed)
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup diced Granny Smith apple
• 1/4 cup pecan pieces

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper to season

How to Make Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Step 1: Massage the Kale

Start by tearing the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add the torn kale leaves along with a pinch of sea salt. Massage them gently until they become tender and vibrant in color.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Heat a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced Turkey Bacon and cook for about 5 minutes or until crispy. Once cooked, remove from heat and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, dried basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until fully emulsified—this ensures that your oil and vinegar are well blended.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In your large bowl with the massaged kale, add in the crispy Turkey Bacon along with cherries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, diced apples, and pecan pieces. Toss everything together gently.

Step 5: Serve

You can serve your dressing on the side or toss it into your salad just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This vibrant Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is perfect for summer gatherings and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a picnic, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve this salad as a refreshing main course on hot days. The combination of kale, cherries, and turkey bacon provides enough sustenance to keep you satisfied.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. The smoky flavors will complement the sweetness of the cherries beautifully.

On a Buffet Table

• Offer this salad at your next gathering as part of a buffet spread. Its colorful presentation will attract guests and is sure to be a favorite.

In Individual Portions

• Present the salad in small bowls for individual servings at parties. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy without needing to serve themselves.

With Extra Toppings

• Encourage guests to customize their salads with extra toppings like toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

To elevate your Cherry Summer Kale Salad, consider these simple tips that ensure maximum flavor and texture in every bite.

• Massage the Kale: Take time to massage the kale leaves with salt before adding other ingredients. This softens the kale and enhances its flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, seasonal cherries and blueberries. Their natural sweetness adds depth to the salad.

• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the balsamic vinaigrette by adding more honey or mustard based on your taste preferences.

• Add Crunch: Incorporate additional textures by mixing in seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which also boost nutritional value.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Cherry Summer Kale Salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewered and grilled until charred make for a protein-packed side that balances the salad’s freshness.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs offers a nutty taste that enhances the overall meal experience.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and earthy flavors that contrast nicely with the bright salad ingredients.

4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, brings an enjoyable crunch and sweetness alongside the salad.

5. Potato Wedges: Seasoned baked potato wedges provide a hearty option that works well with the lightness of the kale salad.

6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers offer an Italian twist that pairs wonderfully with balsamic dressing.

7. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and complement the flavors in your meal.

8. Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Creamy hummus served with crunchy vegetable sticks creates a nice balance of textures while being healthy too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Skipping the kale massage: Not massaging the kale makes it tough and chewy. Take a moment to gently rub the leaves with salt to enhance tenderness.
• Overcooking Turkey Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can lead to a dry texture. Aim for crispy but not burnt pieces for the perfect crunch.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Mixing warm Turkey Bacon with cold salad ingredients can wilt the greens. Allow all components to cool slightly before combining.
• Using stale or overly ripe fruits: Freshness is key for cherries and blueberries. Choose firm, vibrant fruits for a refreshing taste in your salad.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your salad can result in bland flavors. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper to elevate your dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Cherry Summer Kale Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of kale and fresh fruits after thawing.
• If needed, you can freeze just the dressing separately for future use.

Reheating Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Oven: Place the salad on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This method warms it without wilting.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments of 30 seconds until warm, stirring in between. Be cautious not to overheat and soften the kale too much.
• Stovetop: Gently sauté over low heat while stirring until warmed through, avoiding prolonged cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

How do I make Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit Turkey Bacon and replace feta cheese with a plant-based version or avocado for creaminess.

Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap cherries and blueberries for seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches depending on availability.

What type of vinegar is best for the vinaigrette?

Balsamic vinegar is ideal for its rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as alternatives.

How can I customize my Cherry Summer Kale Salad?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds, seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin, or even roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is both refreshing and versatile, perfect for summer gatherings or a healthy lunch. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences by adding different fruits, nuts, or even proteins. Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings together sweetness and tang!