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Kale Cherry Salad layers crisp kale with sweet summer cherries, tangy goat cheese, and the crunch of toasted pistachios for a salad that is equal parts lively and satisfying. You get a creamy dreamy vinaigrette that ties everything together in each forkful. Whether you are looking to brighten up an everyday lunch or want to impress at your next potluck this salad always brings that wow factor.
I was skeptical the first time I put cherries in a savory salad but after that first bite I was hooked. Now my family looks forward to cherry season just for this salad and it never fails to disappear fast.
Ingredients
- Kale: six cups stemmed and finely chopped gives the base its hearty bite. Look for firm crisp leaves with deeply colored greens for best flavor.
- Olive oil: both for massaging the kale and in the vinaigrette softens tough leaves and makes flavors shine. Choose extra virgin for fruitiness.
- Cherries: one cup pitted and halved brings juicy sweetness and a pop of color. Bing or Rainier cherries work beautifully just make sure they are firm and fragrant.
- Goat cheese: a quarter cup crumbled adds creamy tang. Choose log goat cheese for the mildest flavor or experiment with herbed versions.
- Pistachios: a quarter cup toasted and crushed gives satisfying crunch. Look for vibrant green nuts and toast them just until fragrant.
- Shallots: sliced into the vinaigrette lend delicate bite and sweetness. Select firm small bulbs for the best texture.
- Honey: just a tablespoon in the dressing balances the tang. Seek out wildflower or clover honey for complex notes.
- Red wine vinegar: three tablespoons brings bright acidity and pairs perfectly with cherries and kale. Look for brands that mention “aged” on the label for richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Massage the Kale:
- Add chopped kale and one tablespoon of olive oil to a large bowl. Using your hands really work the oil into the leaves for at least three minutes. You want the kale to get darker and slightly tender this makes it much more enjoyable to eat and lets the flavors soak in.
- Combine Salad Ingredients:
- Add the halved cherries crumbled goat cheese and toasted pistachios to the massaged kale. Toss everything gently so the goodies are evenly distributed.
- Make the Vinaigrette:
- Place sliced shallots honey red wine vinegar and three tablespoons olive oil in a jar. Put on the lid and shake hard for thirty seconds until you have a creamy cohesive dressing and the shallots look a little softened. A tight seal helps mix it thoroughly.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour your vinaigrette over the kale cherry mixture. Use tongs or very clean hands to toss so every bit of the salad is kissed with that sweet tangy dressing.
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Goat cheese is hands down my favorite touch in this salad. Its creamy tang works magic with the sweet cherries and crunchy pistachios. I love making this for my mom and sister on warm afternoons when cherries are bursting with flavor.
Storage Tips
Kale salads are ideal for meal prep since kale does not wilt quickly. Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep the cheese extra creamy or the nuts extra crisp add them just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh cherries look for frozen sweet cherries and thaw before using. Feta cheese is a nice stand-in for goat cheese if you want saltier flavor. Walnuts or almonds work instead of pistachios but pistachios make it uniquely special.
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Serving Suggestions
Pile this salad alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced meal. Serve on a big platter for sharing at family gatherings. Sometimes I add thinly sliced grilled peaches or plums for even more summer flavor.
Cultural and Historical Context
Kale has roots in ancient Mediterranean cuisine and has become a staple in modern salads for its powerhouse nutrition and resilience. The pairing with sweet fruit and creamy cheese is a nod to classic European salads that balance savory rich and sweet notes in every bite.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute another nut for pistachios?
Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds also add great crunch if you don't have pistachios on hand.
- → Is it important to massage the kale?
Massaging kale with olive oil helps soften the leaves, giving them a tender texture and milder flavor.
- → What type of cherries work best?
Fresh sweet cherries are ideal, but tart cherries or even dried cherries can be used in a pinch.
- → How far ahead can the salad be made?
Kale salads are sturdy and can be prepared up to a few hours in advance without wilting, thanks to the hearty greens.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feta or blue cheese bring similar tang and creaminess if you prefer those flavors to goat cheese.