This Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans is a delightful dish perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. Packed with fresh flavors and nutrients, this salad features tender kale, juicy peaches, and sweet blueberries, all topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy candied pecans. Each bite is a celebration of summer’s bounty, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet peaches, blueberries, and tangy dressing creates a vibrant taste that’s sure to please.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with superfoods like kale and fruits, this salad offers essential vitamins and minerals.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes total time, it’s perfect for those busy summer days when you want something healthy yet delicious.
- Versatile: Great as a side or main dish, this salad pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian option.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Plate
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for making the candied pecans perfectly caramelized without burning.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix the dressing evenly with the kale and other ingredients.
- Fork: Useful for whisking the dressing components together smoothly.
Ingredients
This refreshing berry peachy kale salad is packed with summer superfoods and topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy candied pecans.
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon stone ground mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 5 cups lightly packed torn kale leaves (center stems removed)
- 1 ripe peach, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 2 ounces crumbled chèvre
For the Candied Pecans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon bittersweet smoked paprika
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the Candied Pecans
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pecan halves along with maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a couple of pinches of sea salt.
- Cook while stirring constantly until coated in a sticky glaze; this takes about 8 minutes.
- Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients using a fork until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Kale
- Add the torn kale leaves to the bowl with dressing.
- Toss gently to coat them thoroughly.
- Massage the kale by hand for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes darker green and tender.
Step 4: Assemble Your Salad
- Transfer the massaged kale onto a platter or divide it between individual serving plates.
- Top with sliced peaches, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and cooled candied pecans.
Enjoy your vibrant Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans! This dish is sure to brighten up your table while providing essential nutrients for your daily needs.
How to Serve Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
This vibrant Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
- Shrimp Skewers: Perfect for adding a touch of elegance and flavor contrast.
- Tofu Steaks: A great vegetarian option that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
Add Extra Crunch
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, they provide a delightful crunch.
- Tortilla Strips: For an unexpected twist that adds texture and flavor.
Serve as a Light Lunch
- Wraps: Use the salad as a filling in wraps for a refreshing lunch option.
- Bento Boxes: Pack portions of the salad with fruit and nuts for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
Perfecting this summer salad is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe peaches and fresh kale for the best flavors.
- Massage the Kale: This step makes the leaves tender and flavorful, enhancing overall enjoyment.
- Experiment with Dressings: Try different vinegars or citrus juices to customize the taste.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: Incorporating other fruits like strawberries or nectarines can diversify flavors.
- Make Ahead: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
Complement your Summer Kale Salad with these tasty side dishes that bring out its fresh flavors.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs wonderfully with the salad’s fruity elements.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty dish adds protein, making it more filling without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements both the peaches and pecans beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that provides crunch and balances richness from goat cheese.
- Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes add Italian flair that harmonizes well with the salad.
- Chilled Gazpacho: This cold soup offers a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.
- Ignoring the kale massaging: Failing to massage the kale leaves can result in a tough texture. Take 2-3 minutes to massage them until they are tender and dark green for the best results.
- Overcooking the pecans: Cooking candied pecans too long can burn them. Keep a close eye on them while cooking, stirring constantly until they are coated but not overly dark.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can detract from the freshness of the salad. Always opt for fresh peaches and blueberries to enhance flavor.
- Not balancing flavors: Overdoing one ingredient can throw off the taste. Ensure you balance the sweetness from the peaches and candied pecans with tangy elements in your dressing.
- Rushing assembly: Putting together your salad too quickly may lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Take time to layer ingredients thoughtfully for a delightful eating experience.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
- If necessary, store components separately before freezing.
Reheating Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm salad on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed, but avoid overheating to keep textures intact.
- Stovetop: Lightly sauté over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans special?
This salad combines vibrant summer flavors with nutrient-dense kale, making it both delicious and healthy. The blend of sweet peaches, tart blueberries, and crunchy candied pecans creates a delightful texture contrast.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving for optimal freshness.
What are some variations for this Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans?
Feel free to customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or swap nuts based on preference. You could also try different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for varied flavor profiles.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Summer Kale Salad is great for meal prep when stored correctly. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
The Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans is a refreshing dish that showcases seasonal produce beautifully. It’s versatile enough for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option. Don’t hesitate to customize it further by adding your favorite proteins or other fruits! Enjoy creating your own version!
Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans
This vibrant Summer Kale Salad is the epitome of seasonal freshness, combining tender kale with juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, and crunchy candied pecans. Topped with creamy goat cheese and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful celebration of summer flavors. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners, it’s a nutrient-packed dish that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy the bright colors and refreshing tastes while reaping all the health benefits that come from superfoods like kale and fresh fruits.
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 5 cups kale leaves
- 1 ripe peach
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 3/4 cup pecan halves
- Maple syrup
- Olive oil
- Sherry vinegar
- Stone ground mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Candied Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add pecans, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Stir constantly for about 8 minutes until coated in a sticky glaze. Spread on parchment to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and black pepper using a fork until well blended.
- Prepare the Kale: Add torn kale leaves to the bowl with dressing. Massage gently for 2-3 minutes until leaves are tender and dark green.
- Assemble the Salad: Place massaged kale on a plate or platter. Top with sliced peaches, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and cooled candied pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Choose ripe peaches for optimal sweetness. Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for more substance. For extra crunch, consider adding croutons or tortilla strips.
