Easy Michael Symon Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Michael Symon’s tuscan kale salad bursts with rustic Mediterranean charm and unexpected flavor combinations.

Green leafy vegetables transform into a culinary masterpiece through careful preparation and thoughtful ingredient selection.

Robust kale provides a hearty foundation for this remarkable dish, offering intense nutritional benefits and remarkable texture.

Crisp bread crumbs add delightful crunch while sharp pecorino cheese introduces a tangy, salty dimension that awakens your palate.

Each ingredient contributes its unique personality, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes and sensations.

Simple techniques elevate humble components into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

The salad vibrant profile promises a delectable journey through fresh, wholesome ingredients that dance together effortlessly: dive in and savor every bite.

Salad Tips from Michael Symon

• Massage Kale Gently: Soften tough leaves by hand-rubbing with olive oil and salt for tender texture.
• Dress Sparingly: Add vinaigrette gradually to prevent soggy salad, letting each leaf absorb flavors evenly.
• Cheese Matters: Grate Parmesan freshly at room temperature for maximum flavor release and smooth melting.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Arrange crispy croutons and cheese on top to maintain crunch and visual appeal.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy salad right after assembling to preserve bright colors and contrasting textures.

How to Keep Kale Salad Fresh

• Refrigerator Method: Seal chopped kale salad in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Remove excess air to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture. Best consumed within 24-36 hours for optimal freshness.
• Freezing Method: Separate dressing from salad before freezing to prevent soggy ingredients. Transfer portions into freezer-safe zip-lock bags, pressing out air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 weeks for best quality, though texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Ingredient Preservation Method: Keep unwashed kale dry and wrapped in paper towels inside a perforated plastic bag. Store in the vegetable crisper drawer, which maintains consistent humidity and temperature. Uncut kale remains fresh for 5-7 days when properly stored.

Kale Salad Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Add fresh chopped rosemary, oregano, and thyme to the dressing for an extra aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the kale's earthiness.
• Protein Power Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or seared shrimp to transform the light salad into a substantial main course with added protein and texture.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Replace bread crumbs with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crispy element that adds nutritional value and deeper nutty undertones.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Enhance the dressing with orange zest and red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant, zesty version that brings more brightness and heat to the classic kale salad.

Nutritious Wrap-Up to Kale Salad

Kale salads revolutionize healthy eating with Michael Symon’s Tuscan masterpiece.

Mediterranean flavors dance through crisp green leaves, creating culinary magic.

Salt and garlic whisper subtle complexity into each carefully crafted bite.

Lemon juice brightens robust ingredients, connecting traditional techniques with modern wellness trends.

Homemade bread crumbs add elegant texture, elevating simple ingredients into gourmet experiences.

Sprinkle extra parmesan, drizzle olive oil, and watch friends marvel at this spectacular dish – you’ll want snapshots, shares, and immediate recipe requests.

What Makes Symon’s Tuscan Kale Salad Special

• Massaging Kale Magic: Tossing the kale with dressing helps break down its tough fibers, transforming the typically rigid leaves into a tender, silky salad that's surprisingly delicious and easy to eat.
• Quick Flavor Punch: The combination of garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parmesan creates a bold, zesty dressing that elevates simple kale into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 30 minutes.
• Textural Symphony: Crunchy homemade breadcrumbs add a delightful crispy contrast to the soft kale, giving each bite an exciting mix of textures that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Kale Salad

• Tuscan Kale: Hearty green with robust flavor, best when stems are trimmed and cut into thin strips.
• Bread: Rustic component transformed into crispy breadcrumbs, perfect for adding texture to the salad.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that provides depth and richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a pungent base for the dressing, best when crushed into a paste.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity liquid that helps bind the dressing and adds richness.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that brings freshness and balance to the salad.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds subtle heat.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle kick of heat and complexity to the dressing.

Toss a Tuscan Kale Salad Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Kale

Trim 2-3 inches off kale stems and discard. Slice kale into 3/4-inch wide strips. Transfer chopped kale to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Bread Topping

Toast bread until golden brown and completely dry. Cut into small chunks. Pulse bread in food processor to create coarse crumbs of desired texture.

Step 3: Make Garlic Paste

Use mortar and pestle or knife to crush 1 garlic clove with salt into a smooth paste.

Step 4: Craft Flavorful Dressing

• Olive oil
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Massage Salad

Thoroughly coat kale with dressing, ensuring each leaf is well covered. Mix vigorously to soften kale leaves.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy your rustic Tuscan kale salad!

Michael Symon Tuscan kale Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Robust Michael Symon’s Tuscan kale salad introduces Mediterranean flavors with zesty parmesan and crisp bacon. Crunchy greens and punchy dressing invite people to savor this simple yet sophisticated Italian-inspired dish you’ll want to devour again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Tuscan kale (black or lacinato)
• 2 thin slices country bread, or 2 handfuls good, homemade coarse breadcrumbs

Cheese and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated pecorino cheese, plus additional for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
• 1 (50 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove

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Instructions

1. Trim approximately 2-3 inches from the bottom of kale stems and discard. Slice kale into 3/4-inch (19 millimeters) wide strips, aiming for 4-5 cups. Transfer prepared kale into a spacious mixing bowl.
2. If incorporating bread, toast until each side achieves a golden-brown color and becomes completely crisp. Slice into small cubes and process in a food processor until transformed into coarse breadcrumbs with desired texture.
3. Create a smooth garlic paste by crushing 1 clove with 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of salt using a mortar and pestle or mincing technique.
4. Combine crushed garlic in a small mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 grams) grated parmesan cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform dressing. Massage dressing into kale leaves, ensuring complete and thorough coating. The dense dressing requires persistent tossing to distribute evenly.
6. Allow salad to rest for 5-10 minutes, permitting kale to soften slightly. Sprinkle additional cheese, scatter toasted breadcrumbs, and drizzle extra olive oil before serving immediately.

Notes

• Toss kale immediately after dressing to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture.
• Massage kale leaves gently with hands to break down tough fibers and enhance tenderness.
• Swap out regular bread for sourdough to add tangy depth to croutons.
• Store leftover salad without dressing to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy texture.
• Rinse kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any hidden dirt or grit.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for faster assembly during busy weeknight meals.
• Customize salad by adding protein like grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra nutrition.
• Use sharp parmesan cheese for a more intense, nutty flavor profile.
• Chop kale into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better dressing distribution.
• Allow croutons to cool completely to maintain maximum crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg