Balsamic Pear and Walnut Salad
Kale greens, thin sliced pears, and crunchy walnuts, tossed with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette and Parmesan cheese.
Servings: 4
Calories: 542kcal
Cost: $1.90
Ingredients
- 1 head kale trimmed of ribs, chopped and rinsed
- 1-2 red Anjou pears washed, cored, sliced thin
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
For the Balsamic Dressing
- ¾ cups lighter olive oil not extra virgin
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey can substitute 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut kale away from the thick, fibrous ribs (the stem looking part that runs down the middle).
- Chop the kale, and rinse in a colander or strainer until clean.
- Massage washed and trimmed kale greens in a large bowl until dark green, not longer than 30 seconds.
- Whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Shred/grate the Parmesan cheese, measure out the walnuts and slice the pears.
- Add the kale, pears, walnuts and Parmesan to the bowl; drizzle half of the dressing around the outside of the bowl and toss to coat. Repeat with more dressing if desired.
Notes
- The kale must be massaged or it will be too difficult to chew.
- Salad can be made up to one day in advance, but if storing more than 2 hours, wait to add the sliced pears until before serving as they will turn brown.
- You will likely not need all of the dressing, start by only dressing with half of the dressing and taste to see if it needs more.
- Salt and pepper optional.
Nutrition
Calories: 542kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 495mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3442IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 407mg | Iron: 2mg