Smoky Bacon & Bold Blue Cheese Kale Salad

Embracing the bounty of summer, I’m thrilled to share that my plate has been overflowing with fresh kale. It’s been a season of vibrant greens, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of my dear friend and exceptionally talented veggie farmer, SiSi. Each week, my Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) bag arrives brimming with an enormous, verdant bundle of kale, transforming my culinary adventures.

SiSi’s thoughtfulness extends even further; she dedicated a significant section of her organic garden this year to cultivating dinosaur kale, specifically because I once mentioned it was my favorite. This personal touch makes every leaf of kale in my salad feel extra special, knowing it was meticulously grown from seed, lovingly tended, and harvested by a cherished friend. It’s a beautiful testament to how food truly connects us, fostering community and deepening friendships through shared passion and delicious ingredients.

The Art of Balance: From Wholesome Greens to Indulgent Flavors

While my summer has been filled with a delightful array of ultra-healthy salads, there are moments when a craving for something a bit more robust and comforting takes hold. It was during one such moment that a package of crispy bacon and a wedge of pungent blue cheese mysteriously found their way into my grocery cart. What can I say? Some things are simply meant to be! I returned home with a mischievous grin, eager to transform my usual healthy greens into a wonderfully indulgent kale salad that tantalizes the taste buds. And indeed, every single bite was pure bliss.

This recipe perfectly bridges the gap between wholesome nutrition and decadent flavor. It’s a celebration of the versatility of kale, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing deliciousness. The robust texture of kale stands up beautifully to the rich, savory notes of bacon and the creamy, sharp tang of blue cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every forkful.

Mastering the Kale: Preparation for Perfection

The beauty of this Kale Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Start with a generous amount of fresh kale – I prefer a mix of SiSi’s tender dinosaur (lacinato) kale and the more traditional curly leaf variety for a varied texture profile. The key to a truly enjoyable kale salad is in the preparation of the greens. Raw kale can sometimes be a bit tough or bitter, but a simple technique transforms it into a tender, palatable base for your salad.

After chopping your kale, transfer it to a large bowl and drizzle it with a touch of Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then, using your hands, gently massage the kale for about a minute. This process breaks down the tough fibers, softening the leaves and making them more receptive to the dressing, as well as enhancing their natural flavor. You’ll notice the kale become darker and more tender, signaling it’s ready for the stars of our show: crumbled blue cheese, crispy cooked bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. Each component plays a vital role, contributing a unique layer of flavor and texture that elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Star Dressing: Red Wine Shallot Vinaigrette

No salad is complete without the perfect dressing, and for this Bacon and Blue Cheese Kale Salad, I’ve crafted a Red Wine Shallot Vinaigrette that has become an absolute obsession. This vinaigrette is a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly complements the rich and varied ingredients of the salad. It’s remarkably easy to prepare and truly makes all the difference.

The dressing begins with fresh shallots, finely chopped to release their delicate, sweet-onion flavor without overwhelming the palate. Red wine vinegar provides a bright, tangy acidity, while a hint of Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing come together beautifully. A touch of honey balances the acidity with a natural sweetness, creating a complex and irresistible profile. Seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, the mixture is then whisked with premium olive oil to achieve a silky, well-integrated dressing. This vinaigrette isn’t just a condiment; it’s an integral part of the salad’s character, tying all the vibrant flavors together with its exquisite balance.

The Right Oil for the Right Recipe: A Bertolli Partnership

Understanding the nuances of olive oil can significantly elevate your cooking. Just like with yesterday’s grilled recipe, which called for Bertolli® 100% Pure Olive Oil (known for its higher smoke point and suitability for high-heat cooking like grilling), this particular Red Wine Shallot Vinaigrette shines when made with Bertolli® Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed, retaining a rich, full-bodied, and fruity flavor profile that is best appreciated in raw or low-heat applications, such as salad dressings, dipping, or finishing dishes. Its lower smoke point means it’s not ideal for high-temperature cooking, but it’s absolutely perfect for enhancing the fresh flavors of a vibrant salad.

I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my understanding of which olive oil to use for specific culinary tasks, and it truly makes a difference in the final taste and quality of a dish. Bertolli provides an excellent range, ensuring you always have the right oil for your needs. Using their Extra Virgin Olive Oil in this vinaigrette imbues it with an incredible depth of flavor that truly complements the kale, bacon, and blue cheese. It’s a simple change that yields remarkably delicious results, making this vinaigrette an absolute highlight of the salad.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: Tossing and Serving

Once your ingredients are prepared and your heavenly vinaigrette is whisked, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the Red Wine Shallot Vinaigrette over the massaged kale, bacon, blue cheese, cranberries, and pecans. Gently toss all the components until every leaf of kale and every morsel of topping is evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. This ensures that each bite delivers a balanced explosion of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements.

For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, consider a final flourish: sprinkle a little bit of extra crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese right before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a beautiful textural contrast. It’s a little secret for good measure, guaranteeing maximum flavor and a delightful crunch. Kale yeah! This step truly elevates the salad, making it look as incredible as it tastes.

Enjoy Now or Prepare Ahead!

This wonderfully delicious Bacon and Blue Cheese Kale Salad is ready to be savored immediately. However, one of its fantastic qualities is its robust nature, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation. If you’re hosting guests, planning for a busy week, or simply want to get a head start on meal prep, this salad holds up beautifully. The sturdy kale leaves are remarkably resilient and won’t wilt quickly, allowing the salad to maintain its freshness and texture for up to 8 hours when covered and refrigerated. This makes it a perfect choice for entertaining or for ensuring you have a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal on hand. Whether served fresh or prepared in advance, this salad promises a delightful culinary experience.

For more fresh summer recipe inspiration and to discover other tasty dishes that perfectly pair with Bertolli’s range of quality olive oils, be sure to visit Bertolli’s “Spin The Bottle” site. You’ll find a wealth of ideas to inspire your next kitchen adventure, helping you create memorable meals with the right ingredients. I have a feeling you’ll find many more recipes you’ll absolutely love.

Enjoy, friends!

Print