Lolita’s Kale Salad Recipe
Lolita’s Kale Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring tenderized curly kale ribbons dressed in a creamy lemon vinaigrette. Toasted pistachios, crunchy breadcrumbs, and grated Pecorino add layers of texture and flavor, making this salad a perfect balance of zest, creaminess, and nuttiness.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1 egg yolk (pasteurized optional)
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. anchovies (about one whole)
- 2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1/4 cup canola oil, or other neutral oil
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad
- 1 Large bunch curly-leaf kale, sliced into ribbons
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/3 cup creamy lemon vinaigrette (prepared)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, toasted in a dry skillet
- 1 tbsp. breadcrumbs, toasted in a dry skillet
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
- Make the lemon vinaigrette: Combine the egg yolk, lemon juice, chopped garlic, anchovies, freshly grated Parmesan, kosher salt, black pepper, white balsamic vinegar, and water in a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. Slowly drizzle in the canola and extra-virgin olive oils with the blender running on low speed until well incorporated. Refrigerate the vinaigrette until ready to serve.
- Prepare the kale: Place the sliced kale in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of kosher salt. Using your fingers, massage the kale gently for about 1 minute until it softens noticeably and becomes less tough and more enjoyable to eat.
- Toss the salad: Add one-third cup of the creamy lemon vinaigrette to the massaged kale and toss thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the dressed kale onto serving plates. Sprinkle the toasted chopped pistachios, toasted breadcrumbs, and grated Pecorino cheese over the top for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using pasteurized egg yolk is recommended if concerned about raw egg consumption.
- To toast pistachios and breadcrumbs, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Massaging kale is essential to soften its tough fibers and improve texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste to personalize the salad’s acidity and seasoning.
- This salad is best served fresh to retain crispness and texture of toppings.
Keywords: kale salad, lemon vinaigrette, pistachios, Pecorino, creamy dressing, healthy salad, massaged kale