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Why I Love This Kale Salad Recipe
When it’s time for those iconic summertime gatherings, whether it’s the Fourth of July or just a simple backyard get-together, side salads are a must! Burgers and grilled food need something fresh alongside them, and this spicy pear and kale salad gives you just what you need: a big bowl of garden-forward flavor with sweetness and a little heat.
What I love most is how simple it is! The vinaigrette is 6 simple ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. And if you don’t want the spice, you can leave it out (and then it’s only 5 ingredients!). The kale provides some structure while the pears add sweetness. Finish the whole thing with Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got an easy salad that’s ready in about 15 minutes!
Here’s why you should make this salad:
- Super easy to prep ahead – Make the dressing in a jar a few days before and assemble when ready.
- Lots of fresh summer flavor – Kale, pears, lemon, and garlic make this perfectly seasonal (and great for both summer and fall).
- A simple spicy vinaigrette – Red pepper flakes add just enough heat without taking over. And you can leave them out if you don’t love spice.
- Great for a gathering – Since we’re using kale, it holds up better than delicate greens.
Spicy Pear Kale Salad Ingredients
Some of the best summer produce comes together to form a uniquely simple salad:
- Kale – Use your own homegrown garden kale, farmer’s market kale, or whatever variety you like best.
- Olive oil and lemon juice – The simple liquid base to the salad dressing.
- Garlic – A little extra flavor to make the dressing delicious.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds the spicy kick; adjust to taste.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – Add the perfect seasoning combo for this salad recipe.
- Pears – Sweetness and a unique textural contrast to the kale.
- Parmesan cheese – A salty finish to the salad.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Spicy Pear Kale Salad
This recipe can be made in 3 steps:
Step 1: Make the vinaigrette – In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. This can be made a few days ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the kale – Rinse the kale well, then dry thoroughly. Strip away any large stems or tough ribs from the kale leaves. Coarsely chop the kale into smaller, bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes to make it easier to eat and digest.
Step 3: Assemble – Add half of the vinaigrette to the kale and toss until lightly coated. Spread the kale on a serving platter and add diced pears and Parmesan cheese. Pour on the remaining vinaigrette and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Focus on the kale – Water on the leaves keeps the dressing from clinging, so take the time to dry the kale well. Trimming the large stems and massaging it makes the salad much easier to eat and digest.
- Mince the garlic finely – This ensures that you don’t get any big pieces in the salad dressing.
- Use fresh Parmesan – The salad is so simple that flavor matters here, so skip the pre-grated container and use a fresh wedge!
- Add nuts if you want – For a little extra crunch, add some walnuts or almonds. Make sure to toast them first to give some extra flavor.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
Serving – Serve immediately after preparing; this helps keep the pears tasting fresh and retain their best texture. This salad is a perfect summertime accompaniment to burgers, brats, grilled chicken, or steak.
Storage – Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Kale holds up well, but pears will soften as they sit. Make sure to consume within 1-3 days.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
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Spicy Pear & Kale Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 cups loosely packed kale washed, spun dry, and roughly chopped
- 3 medium pears diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix together and set aside until ready to serve.¼ cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 4 cloves garlic, ¼ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Prepare the kale: Place kale in a large bowl and massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes. This will make it easier to digest.8 cups loosely packed kale
- Assemble: Spread the kale on a serving platter. Add half of the prepared vinaigrette and toss to combine. Then, layer the pears on top and add the Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and serve.3 medium pears, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
