Are you craving a fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying salad that's both healthy and easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Cracker Barrel Kale Salad, a delicious dish known for its vibrant ingredients and perfectly balanced dressing. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or a healthy meal prep option. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
- 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (or vegetarian bacon for a meatless option)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or other seeds like pumpkin seeds)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get started:
- Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the kale. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massaging the kale with a little bit of olive oil for a couple of minutes will help to soften it and make it more tender. This simple step is key to a delicious salad!
Prepare the ingredients:
- While the kale is softening, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, crumble the bacon, shred the cheese, and thinly slice the red onion. Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, for enhanced flavor and texture.
Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to your liking.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale, cherry tomatoes, bacon, cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Dress and serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy this easy recipe!
Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Kale Salad:
- Massage the kale: This crucial step tenderizes the kale, making it less tough and more enjoyable to eat.
- Don't overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like dried cranberries, chopped apples, or different types of nuts.
Variations:
- Spicy Kale Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a kick.
- Autumn Kale Salad: Swap the cherry tomatoes for roasted butternut squash and add some pecans or walnuts.
- Creamy Kale Salad: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for added creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 10-15g Fiber: 4-5g
This healthy and delicious Cracker Barrel Kale Salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light and satisfying lunch. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it a delicious and adaptable recipe for everyone. Enjoy!