Cherry, Goat Cheese & Toasted Pecan Kale Salad
A vibrant salad blending earthy massaged kale with sweet cherries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans. A bright lemon vinaigrette ties it all together. Perfectly balanced and refreshing, this salad is both indulgent and light.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 260kcal
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, leaves chopped
- 1½ cups cherries, pitted and halved
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¾ cup pecans, toasted
- ½ lemon, juiced (for massaging)
- Avocado oil or spray (for massaging)
- 2 lemons, juiced (for dressing)
- 4 tsp honey
- 1–2 tsp extra light olive oil
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together 2 lemons’ juice, honey, olive oil, and black pepper. Chill while preparing the rest.
- Prepare the kale: In a bowl, drizzle chopped kale with lemon juice and avocado oil. Massage for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add cherries and goat cheese: Toss massaged kale with pitted cherries and crumbled goat cheese.
- Dress the salad: Pour the chilled dressing over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Top with toasted pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecans on top just before serving.
Notes
Massage the kale fully to reduce bitterness and soften texture.
Use fresh, ripe cherries for optimal flavor and color.
Toast pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Use fresh, ripe cherries for optimal flavor and color.
Toast pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.