Looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Hillstone Kale Salad recipe. With a homemade citrusy tangy dressing and a combination of fruits, nuts, and cheese, this salad is a surefire hit for any occasion.
Today, on The Stay At Home Chef, I’ll guide you through creating this simple yet delicious salad that proves that less is indeed more when it comes to flavor.
Server this healthy and delicious Kale Salad with Qdoba Guacamole or Bang Bang Shrimp and enjoy your meal.
What so Special About Hillstone Kale Salad?
The Hillstone Kale Salad stands out for its vibrant flavors and textures, offering a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and a zesty homemade dressing. What makes it truly special is its simplicity – with just a handful of ingredients, it manages to captivate taste buds with each bite.
The combination of crisp kale, crunchy apples, sweet craisins, toasted almonds, and tangy feta cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Ingredients for Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe
- 6 cups chopped kale (curly or Tuscan style)
- 1 large lemon (for zest and juice)
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- ¾ to 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Equipment & Tools Required
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Salad spinner (optional)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: N/A
How to Make Hillstone Kale Salad?
Step-01: In a bowl, combine olive oil, zest from 1 lemon, lemon juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.
Step-02: Remove the tough stems from the kale by folding the leaves in half and slicing along the stem. Discard the stems. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the chopped kale under cold water to remove any dirt. Drain well and pat dry using a salad spinner or a clean towel.
Step-03: Core the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch size pieces. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
Step-04: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, cubed apples, craisins, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
Step-05: Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl or platter.
Garnish with additional sliced almonds or crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Hillstone Kale Salad!
Watch How To Make
Creative Serving Ideas for Hillstone Kale Salad
These serving and pairing suggestions will assist you in introducing more variety to this dish. Feel free to unleash your creativity with ideas that match your taste and preferences.
1. As a Side Dish: Serve the kale salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a light and nutritious side dish.
2. With Quinoa or Farro: Toss the kale salad with cooked quinoa or farro to add a hearty grain base and turn it into a wholesome main course.
3. In a Wrap: Spread a tortilla or flatbread with hummus or avocado spread, then fill it with the kale salad for a delicious and portable lunch wrap.
4. On a Sandwich: Pile the kale salad onto whole grain bread with sliced turkey or chicken for a refreshing and satisfying sandwich.
5. With Grilled Halloumi: Top the kale salad with slices of grilled halloumi cheese for a flavorful and protein-packed vegetarian option.
6. As a Pizza Topping: Use the kale salad as a topping for homemade pizza along with roasted vegetables and your favorite cheese for a gourmet twist.
7. In a Buddha Bowl: Layer the kale salad with cooked grains, roasted vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a colorful and nourishing Buddha bowl.
8. With Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Serve the kale salad alongside roasted sweet potato wedges for a balanced and satisfying meal.
9. Stuffed into Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the kale salad mixture for a nutritious and colorful appetizer or light meal.
10. As a Taco Filling: Spoon the kale salad into taco shells or tortillas and top with salsa, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthy and flavorful taco experience.
URRecipe Community Tips on Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe
Here are some tips to follow when trying this recipe. If you’re attempting it for the first time, these tips will assist you in creating a perfect dish on your initial try.
1. Massage the Kale: Before chopping, massage the kale leaves with a little olive oil to help tenderize them and reduce bitterness.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp apples and kale for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
3. Adjust Dressing to Taste: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your preference for sweetness, acidity, and saltiness.
4. Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds adds a deeper flavor and crunch to the salad. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
5. Prevent Apples from Browning: If preparing the salad ahead of time, toss the apple pieces in a little lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
6. Customize the Nuts and Cheese: Feel free to swap out the sliced almonds for toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds. Likewise, you can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
7. Double the Dressing: If you prefer a more generously dressed salad, double the dressing recipe to ensure every bite is flavorful.
8. Make Ahead for Convenience: While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to save time.
9. Add Protein: Boost the protein content of the salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more satisfying meal option.
10. Experiment with Additions: Get creative with additional toppings such as dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or even avocado slices to customize the salad to your liking.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Hillstone Kale Salad that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition!
How to Store Hillstone Kale Salad
To store the Hillstone Kale Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold. Avoid reheating for too long to prevent the kale from becoming too wilted.
Common queries on Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Hillstone Kale Salad Recipe
1. What do you serve with kale salad?
Kale salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, salmon, steak, or even vegetarian options like quiche or roasted vegetables. It also complements soups and sandwiches nicely.
2. How long can you keep kale salad in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, kale salad can typically last for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly over time as the dressing softens the kale leaves.
3. When should you dress a kale salad?
Ideally, dress the kale salad just before serving to prevent the leaves from becoming too wilted. Massaging the dressing into the kale leaves a few minutes before serving can help soften them without causing them to become soggy.
4. Will kale salad get soggy?
Kale salad can become soggy if dressed too far in advance or if left sitting with dressing for too long. To prevent this, dress the salad just before serving and toss it gently to evenly distribute the dressing.
5. Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. You can substitute different types of nuts, cheese, or dried fruits, and adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste.
6. Is it necessary to massage the kale before adding it to the salad?
Massaging the kale helps to break down its tough fibers and improve its texture. While it’s not strictly necessary, it can enhance the overall eating experience.
7. Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party or gathering?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad in advance and assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
8. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a good shake or stir before pouring it over the salad.
9. Is kale salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative.
10. How can I ensure my kale salad stays crunchy?
To keep the salad crunchy, make sure to thoroughly dry the kale leaves after rinsing them and avoid overdressing the salad. You can also add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunchiness.
With its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and zesty flavors, this Hillstone Kale Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
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