Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with this mouthwatering Kale Salad with Bacon that transforms ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece! Imagine crispy bacon bits, tangy feta, and perfectly dressed kale coming together in a symphony of flavors that will have you forgetting you're even eating a salad. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a bacon lover looking for a delicious twist, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl.
- Next, cook the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, you can optionally sauté the red onion in the leftover bacon grease for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are slightly softened. This step enhances the flavor of the onions, but it can be skipped if you prefer them raw.
- In the large bowl with the kale, add the crumbled bacon, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the kale salad and toss everything together gently until the kale is well coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help soften the kale slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the kale salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Tips
- Massage your kale: Before dressing the salad, use your hands to gently massage the kale with a bit of olive oil. This helps break down the tough fibers and makes the kale more tender and easier to eat.
- Bacon perfection: For extra crispy bacon, use a cast-iron skillet and cook slowly over medium heat. Pat the bacon dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Make-ahead magic: This salad actually gets better as it sits! Prepare it 15-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Customize your creation: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch, or swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer.
- Keep it fresh: If you're not serving immediately, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the kale from getting soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
