So I think anyone who knows me knows that I rather NOT eat veggies, they would also know that I rarely eat fruits (I know..) but I came across this salad and it just sounded so YUMMY.
Introducing....
Kale and Pancetta Salad!
This Salad is not
really a Salad, I mean it is but for my sake lets just say that it isnt. Ok, so this "Salad" has tasty Pancetta (Italian bacon to those non-Italians), amazing Apples, and even more amazing dressing. Trust me on this, you want to make it!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of oil
4 ounces of sliced pancetta
1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 tsp of ground Black Pepper
Salt (to taste)
1 Radicchio
1 bunch of Kale
2-3 apples
First be sure to wash your fruits and veggies. Things live in there and theres also a good amount of pesticides.
Start by preparing your Pancetta. Depending on you're size/shape preference, slice the Pancetta and then chop into squares.
Next you'll place the pieces into a pan, drizzle them with 1/4 cup of oil and either pop them in the oven as I did, or you can pan fry them (if you choose this option, be sure to constantly stir to avoid burning). Set the oven to 250 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes.
While thats cooking, start on your salad.
I find it easier to just chop the majority of the stems off of the Kale. I also prefer to slice the leaves off so the salad isn't too crunchy. Fold the leaves over so both are on one side and slice like so..
Chop your Kale and Radicchio to your desired size. Look how pretty! I find that the Radicchio is a little too bitter so if thats not your thing then you can substitute it for Red Cabbage or even Radish.
Then the apples
Chop or slice to your hearts desire.
By now your Pancetta should be done. Drain and put the pan drippings to the side as it will be used in the dressing.
Whisk together the drippings, white wine vinegar, and maple syrup. Add the black pepper and add salt to taste. I find the Pancetta to be too salty so I only added a pinch of salt.
Toss the Apples and Pancetta with the Kale and top with this awesome vinaigrette. I swear to you that this dressing is the best thing I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. It just happened to be a flavor explosion in my mouth! It makes me giddy, ha! :-D
Mmmmm. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Foodandwine.com
Labels: Appetizers, Apples, Eats, Salad, Veggies
