Best 3 Tuscan Kale Salad Recipes

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**Tuscan Kale Salad: A Symphony of Flavors in Every Bite**

Originating from the heart of Tuscany, Italy, the Tuscan kale salad is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant colors, robust flavors, and an array of textures. This traditional Italian salad showcases the region's love for fresh, seasonal ingredients, combining hearty kale, crisp croutons, salty Parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing to create a symphony of flavors in every bite. As you explore this article, you'll discover not just one but three unique variations of the Tuscan kale salad, each offering a distinct culinary journey. From a classic rendition that celebrates simplicity to a hearty version featuring roasted butternut squash and a vegan alternative that caters to dietary preferences, these recipes cater to every palate and occasion. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of this timeless Italian salad.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Tuscan Kale Salad:** Experience the authentic taste of Tuscany with this traditional recipe. Fresh kale, crispy croutons, salty Parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing come together in perfect harmony, embodying the essence of this beloved salad.

2. **Tuscan Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash:** Elevate your salad game with the addition of roasted butternut squash. This hearty variation adds a touch of sweetness, warmth, and a vibrant pop of color to the classic Tuscan kale salad.

3. **Vegan Tuscan Kale Salad:** Enjoy the flavors of Tuscany without compromising on your dietary choices. This vegan version swaps out Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast and uses a plant-based dressing, making it a delectable option for vegans and vegetarians alike.

**Additional Highlights:**

* Detailed ingredient lists and precise measurements ensure successful preparation.

* Step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process effortlessly.

* Helpful tips and variations provide insights for customization and troubleshooting.

* Stunning food photography captures the vibrant colors and textures of each salad.

* Nutritional information for each recipe aids in making informed dietary choices.

**Keywords:** Tuscan kale salad, Italian salad, kale salad, croutons, Parmesan cheese, dressing, roasted butternut squash, vegan salad, plant-based dressing, healthy salad, side dish, lunch, dinner, vegetarian.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RAW TUSCAN KALE SALAD WITH PECORINO



Raw Tuscan Kale Salad With Pecorino image

From the NY Times. Eating this was the first time I'd had kale, and it was simply delicious!! The only change I had made from the original recipe is that I added lemon zest and it turned out even better! For the bread crumbs, coarsely crushed homemade croutons would work also. Instead of bread crumbs, you can use a nice thin slice of toasted country bread. Zaar wouldn't let me enter the word crusty/chewy country bread into the ingredient list. If you have a microplane, that works good for grating the garlic instead of finely chopping it.

Provided by Japanese Delight

Categories     Vegetable

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 bunch tuscan kale (also known as black or lacinato kale)
1 slice bread, or
1/4 cup homemade breadcrumbs (coarse)
1/2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely grated pecorino cheese or 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, more for garnish
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, more for garnish
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 freshly squeezed lemon, juice of
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Trim bottom 2 inches off kale stems and discard. Slice kale, including ribs, into 3/4-inch-wide ribbons. You should have 4 to 5 cups. Place kale in a large bowl.
  • If using bread, toast it until golden on both sides. Tear it into small pieces and grind in a food processor until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  • Chop or microplane the garlic and transfer to a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup cheese, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice & zest, salt, pepper flakes and black pepper, and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over kale and toss very well to thoroughly combine (dressing will be thick and need lots of tossing to coat leaves).
  • Let salad sit for 5 minutes, then serve topped with bread crumbs, additional cheese and a drizzle of oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.5, Fat 11.1, SaturatedFat 1.6, Sodium 248.7, Carbohydrate 14.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1, Protein 3.1

TUSCAN KALE & CANNELLINI BEAN SALAD RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Tuscan Kale & Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by Zoesown

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 bunches of Lacinato Kale, washed dried and center stem removed (about 6 cups)
2 - 4 Tbsp Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Zest from one Lemon
2 - 4 Tbsp excellent quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used 2 Tbsp)
2-3 cloves fresh Garlic, minced
1 ounce (about 1/3 cup) finely grated Asiago Cheese
1/3 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
9 ounces cooked, drained Cannellini Beans. If using canned, rinse under cool water and drain well. (no salt added)
A few grinds of fresh Black Pepper
Sea Salt to your taste

Steps:

  • In a 2 qt bowl place the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper and mix lightly. Stack the kale leaves and slice very thin and cut into bite size pieces. Toss Kale into the bowl with the olive oil, garlic, etc. and mix well. Toss in the grated Asiago Cheese, Cannellini beans and the Panko breadcrumbs. Mix well. Cover and let stand at least 5 minutes, the longer the better. I generally make this a few hours before I plan on using it, cover and refrigerate until I am ready to serve.

TUSCAN KALE SALAD



Tuscan Kale Salad image

Kale salad may someday go the way of other clichéd salads of yore - the bean salad, the chef's salad, the beet salad with goat cheese. But like all those other venerable mixtures, its ubiquity is due in large part to how good it can be. Take a bunch of raw Tuscan kale (also called lacinato or black kale), which is more delicate than other varieties, and slice it into ribbons. Toss those ribbons with a thick bright dressing of garlic paste, pecorino, lemon juice, olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Top with freshly toasted bread crumbs and a flurry of pecorino. The leaves are sturdy enough to stand up to the bold flavors and varying textures, but tender when you take a bite.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 bunch Tuscan kale (also known as black or lacinato kale)
1 thin slice country bread (part whole-wheat or rye is nice), or 1/4 cup homemade bread crumbs (coarse)
1/2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely grated pecorino cheese, more for garnish
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, more for garnish
Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Trim bottom 2 inches off kale stems and discard. Slice kale, including ribs, into 3/4-inch-wide ribbons. You should have 4 to 5 cups. Place kale in a large bowl.
  • If using bread, toast it until golden on both sides. Tear it into small pieces and grind in a food processor until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  • Using a mortar and pestle, or with the back of a knife, pound garlic into a paste. Transfer garlic to a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup cheese, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper flakes and black pepper, and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over kale and toss very well to thoroughly combine (dressing will be thick and need lots of tossing to coat leaves).
  • Let salad sit for 5 minutes, then serve topped with bread crumbs, additional cheese and a drizzle of oil.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 40, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 156 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • To save time, use a food processor to finely chop the kale.
  • If you don't have white beans, you can substitute chickpeas or lentils.
  • For a vegan version of this salad, omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve this salad immediately, or it will wilt.

Conclusion:

Tuscan kale salad is a healthy and delicious salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. The salad is also a good source of protein, thanks to the white beans. The dressing is simple but flavorful, and it perfectly complements the kale and other ingredients. If you are looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, Tuscan kale salad is a great option.

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