Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey with this extraordinary Kale Salad featuring the rich, bold flavors of Uniekaas Reserve cheese and crunchy walnuts. This isn't just another boring salad – it's a gourmet experience that will revolutionize how you think about healthy eating. Imagine a dish that combines the earthy robustness of kale, the nutty depth of toasted walnuts, and the luxurious complexity of aged Dutch cheese, all harmonized with a perfectly balanced balsamic dressing.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Dutch
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kale, chopped
- Uniekaas Reserve, grated
- Walnuts, chopped
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by washing the kale thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, shake off excess water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the walnuts. If using whole walnuts, chop them into smaller pieces to enhance their texture in the salad. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant, but this is optional.
- Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl with the kale.
- Grate the Uniekaas Reserve cheese using a box grater or a food processor. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the kale and walnuts in the mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A good ratio to start with is 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Whisk or shake to combine until emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the kale salad. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, ensuring the kale is lightly coated but not drenched.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will also help to slightly soften the kale.
- Serve the kale salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy your Kale Salad with Uniekaas Reserve and Walnuts as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Massage your kale: To reduce bitterness and tenderize the leaves, spend a few minutes massaging the chopped kale with a little olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Toast the walnuts: While optional, toasting walnuts intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Cheese selection matters: Use freshly grated Uniekaas Reserve for the most vibrant flavor. If unavailable, a good aged gouda can be an excellent substitute.
- Let it rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and slightly softens the kale.
- Customize your dressing: Experiment with the olive oil to balsamic vinegar ratio to find your perfect balance. Some prefer a tangier dressing, while others like it more mellow.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
