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Cherry Kale Salad with Farro, Avocado, and Feta in Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.3 from 85 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Cherry Kale Salad featuring tender shredded kale, nutty farro, sweet cherries, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and toasted walnuts, all brought together with a luscious cherry balsamic vinaigrette. This salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect as a refreshing main course or a hearty side.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 bunch curly kale, de-stemmed and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 cups cooked farro (quick cooking 365 brand recommended)
  • 2 cups dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for topping
  • 1 avocado, pitted and sliced

For the Cherry Balsamic Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sour cherry jam
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Massage the Kale: Place the shredded kale in a large bowl. Drizzle in the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for 1 to 2 minutes until it softens and reduces in volume, which makes it easier to eat and digest.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine chopped garlic, sour cherry jam, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified, creating a flavorful cherry balsamic vinaigrette.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked farro, halved cherries, toasted and chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, and chopped basil to the massaged kale. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Add Avocado and Serve: Top the salad with sliced avocado. Serve immediately, offering extra dressing, additional chopped basil, and extra feta on the side for added flavor and garnish.

Notes

  • Toast walnuts on medium-low heat in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
  • Massaging kale is essential as it breaks down the fibers, making the kale softer and more palatable.
  • If sour cherry jam is unavailable, tart cherry preserves can be a substitute, though it may slightly alter the sweetness of the dressing.
  • Cook farro according to package instructions; quick-cooking varieties reduce prep time.
  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of avocado and kale.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/cherry-kale-salad-with-farro-avocado-and-feta-in-cherry-balsamic-vinaigrette-recipe/