In the realm of culinary delights, the Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of simple ingredients and exquisite flavors. This delectable dish, hailing from the Mediterranean, is a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate and leave you craving for more. With its vibrant kale as the base, complemented by the creamy richness of ricotta salata, this salad offers a delightful interplay of bitterness and silkiness. Enhanced with the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts, the freshness of lemon-tahini dressing, and the aromatic touch of dill, this salad transcends the boundaries of ordinary and elevates itself to a culinary masterpiece. But this article is not limited to just one recipe; it presents a trio of variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. For the traditionalists, there's the Classic Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad, a faithful rendition of the original recipe. For those with a penchant for vegan delights, the Vegan Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad offers a plant-based alternative, using creamy avocado instead of ricotta salata. And for those seeking a gluten-free option, the Gluten-Free Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad replaces the traditional croutons with crunchy buckwheat groats, resulting in a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and inclusive.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
KALE SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
Raw kale holds up well to strong, acidic, garlicky dressings, so it can stand on the table for hours without losing its texture. What's special about this salad is how it's layered, so pay close attention to Chef Silverton's assembly method!
Provided by Nancy Silverton
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Toast pine nuts: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Scatter the pine nuts on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven, shaking or rotating the pan halfway through, until fragrant and golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Remove the pine nuts from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- Marinate anchovies: Drain and discard the brine the anchovies are packed in. In a small, flat dish, arrange ½ of the anchovy fillets in a single layer, skin side down. Use a traditional citrus zester to zest ½ of the lemon on top; then sprinkle with ½ the olive oil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Repeat layering once more, finishing with the olive oil. Let the anchovies sit in the marinade at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. (Keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 months.)
- Vinaigrette: Trim the root end from the shallots, then discard skin. Finely mince, then place in a medium bowl. Grate garlic cloves on a Microplane and add to the shallots, along with a large pinch of red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper (about 12 grinds of a pepper mill), and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine, then set aside to macerate, 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, use a Microplane to grate lemon zest; add to the bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Finally, grate the ricotta salata into the bowl and whisk to combine one last time.
- Dress the salad: Place kale in a large mixing bowl and toss with a pinch of salt. Add several spoonfuls of dressing and gently massage it into the kale, making sure to coat the leaves thoroughly. Add more dressing as needed. (It's always a good idea to start with less dressing and add more as you go.) Layer the salad to assemble: Place a third of the kale on the bottom of a large serving bowl. Drape a few anchovies onto the kale and sprinkle with pine nuts. Finish by grating a thin layer of ricotta salata on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, then serve.
KALE AND RICOTTA SALATA SALAD
This sharp and refreshing salad takes only minutes to put together but is a crowd-pleaser of the first order. This dish would be equally at home at a potluck or as a first course at a dinner party, and no one has to know that you didn't work for hours on it.
Provided by Kim Severson
Categories dinner, lunch, quick, salads and dressings
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Trim the leaves of the kale above where the stems become thick. (You're going to eat this raw; steam the stems for another use if you like.) Stack the leaves in a pile, roll them like a cigar, and slice it thin crosswise.
- Mix together the shallot, lemon juice, salt (go easy on this at first since the cheese is salty), and oil; taste and add more oil if you like.
- Toss the dressing with the kale and ricotta salata, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 268, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 362 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
WILTED GREENS WITH RICOTTA SALATA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 27m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Wash the greens, but do not dry. Trim the large stems and coarsely chop. Set aside.
- Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 4 minutes longer. Add the greens, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the greens have wilted and become tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked greens to a serving plate and crumble the ricotta salata cheese over the top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 213 calorie, Fat 13 grams, SaturatedFat 2.5 grams, Cholesterol 7 milligrams, Sodium 860 milligrams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 2 grams
LACINATO KALE AND RICOTTA SALATA SALAD
Steps:
- Working in batches, cut the kale crosswise into very thin slices.
- Whisk together the shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add the oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well.
- Toss the kale and cheese in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat well, then season with salt and pepper.
Tips:
- Choose the right kale. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is the best choice for this salad. It has a more tender texture and milder flavor than other types of kale.
- Massage the kale. This helps to break down the tough fibers in the kale and make it more tender. Simply place the kale in a large bowl and massage it with your hands for a few minutes, until it starts to wilt.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the ricotta salata. This will help to prevent the cheese from crumbling.
- Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way. You can always add more dressing if needed, but it's hard to take it away.
- Serve the salad immediately. Kale salad is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the more the kale will wilt and the dressing will become watery.
Conclusion:
Kale and ricotta salata salad is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, and it's also a good source of fiber and protein. The salty cheese and tangy dressing complement the slightly bitter kale perfectly. If you're looking for a new salad recipe to try, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!
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