Julienne Kale Salad

What’s not to love about a Julienne Kale Salad? This dish perfectly marries the crisp earthiness of kale with the vibrant freshness of romaine, and a medley of savory flavors from Swiss cheese and ham. The creamy, zingy Mediterranean dressing ties everything together, creating a dish that’s not just nutritious but downright delicious. Each bite bursts with textures and tastes that come together beautifully, making it ideal as a lunch, dinner, or side dish.

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I first made this Julienne Kale Salad during a summer get-together, wanting something fresh and exciting. The bright colors of the salad, adorned with fresh tomatoes and Castelvetrano olives, immediately caught everyone’s attention. What thrilled me most was how easy and quick it was to prepare, proving that healthy can indeed equate to delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful salad. It’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory ham and creamy cheese makes each bite mouthwatering.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors and textures make it an impressive dish at any gathering.
• Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a fulfilling lunch, a light dinner, or a standout side dish.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modified for gluten-free or vegetarian diets by swapping out certain ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 stalks Kale (about 3 handfuls of loose kale): A powerhouse of nutrients, kale provides a robust base for this refreshing salad. Look for bright green, firm leaves. Alternatively, you could use baby kale for a milder flavor.
• 2 romaine lettuce hearts: Offering a crisp texture, romaine adds freshness. This leafy green can be substituted with other varieties like iceberg if you prefer.
• 4 oz Swiss cheese block: This cheese has a nutty flavor that complements the salad perfectly. If you’re a fan of sharp cheese, Gruyère is a delightful alternative.
• 2 tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, tomatoes add freshness. Choose ripe, flavorful varieties like Roma or heirloom for the best taste.
• 1 cup Castelvetrano olives: These sweet and mild green olives provide a unique flavor and pop of color. If unavailable, Kalamata olives work well for a bolder taste.
• ½ lb precooked sliced ham: This adds heartiness to the salad. You can replace it with turkey or omit it for a vegetarian option.
• 1 cup parmesan flakes: Offering nuttiness and depth, parmesan is essential. Opt for fresh flakes for the best flavor, but grated parmesan will also do in a pinch.
• Mediterranean Dressing:
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil: This ensures a smooth, rich dressing. A light flavored oil can be used for a milder taste.
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar: Adds acidity. You could substitute apple cider vinegar for a bit more sweetness.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: For depth; however, tamari can be a great alternative if you’re avoiding gluten.
• 1 tbsp olive juice, from canned olives: Enhances the flavor of the dressing. You can also try brine from other pickled vegetables.
• 1 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up. Make sure it’s freshly squeezed for maximum flavor.
• 1 tbsp dried oregano: This herb gives a Mediterranean flair. If you have fresh oregano, feel free to substitute.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for balance; adjust based on taste.
• 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper: For a little kick of heat.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth and richness. Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly.

How to Make Julienne Kale Salad

1. Prepare the dressing: Start by finely mincing the garlic. In a mason jar, combine ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon olive juice from the olives, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, and the minced garlic. Shake vigorously until combined. For best results, make this dressing the night before to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prepare the salad: Begin by slicing the kale and romaine lettuce into ½-inch strips. It’s essential to cut the kale properly so that it can absorb the dressing and soften slightly. Next, julienne the Swiss cheese, sliced ham, and tomatoes into small strips. In a large bowl, combine the kale, lettuce, Swiss cheese, ham, tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, and ¾ cup of the parmesan flakes. Toss everything gently to combine.

3. Dress the salad: Pour ½ of the prepared Mediterranean dressing over the salad mixture, tossing further to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly. Set aside the remaining dressing for serving. Finally, top the salad with the remaining parmesan flakes for a beautiful presentation.

4. Serve and enjoy: This Julienne Kale Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately with the additional dressing on the side, allowing everyone to customize their servings.

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The kale tends to hold up pretty well for a couple of days, but the texture may change slightly as it absorbs the dressing. Avoid room temperature storage for more than 2 hours. While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, if you need to reheat components like ham, do so in a microwave for about 30 seconds on high. Be mindful that the greens might wilt upon reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• To avoid tough kale, massage it gently with a bit of the dressing before combining with other ingredients. This helps to soften the leaves.
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor—quality tomatoes and olives are key!
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic before mincing for a sweeter, mellower taste.
• Be mindful not to overdress the salad; it’s easier to add more dressing later than to take it away once mixed.
• Consider incorporating seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers to keep things interesting throughout the year.

Each element of this Julienne Kale Salad works in harmony—creating an easy, delicious, and beautiful dish you’ll want to enjoy time and again. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients, and feel free to explore the vast world of Mediterranean flavors this salad offers.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the kale from becoming limp and wilting before your meal.

What can I substitute for the ham?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using roasted chickpeas or grilled asparagus for added heartiness. Smoked tofu can also mimic the savory element well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change as the dressing penetrates the greens.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! By substituting the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version or using tamari instead, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free while still retaining that umami flavor.

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