Kale Salad with Garlic Herb Dressing

Get ready to fall in love with this Kale Salad with Garlic Herb Dressing. Keep it hassle-free by prepping the dressing ahead of time and tossing it with the fresh ingredients when you’re set to serve. This salad plays well with pasta dishes, grilled proteins, or holiday feasts. It brings a richness to the dressing you will love. 

Ingredients

1 bunch of kale

8 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup olive oil (for dressing)

1/3 cup parsley

1/3 cup grated pecorino romano

1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra for massaging kale)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Garlic Herb Dressing

Roasting the Garlic:

Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 250°F. Nestle 8 cloves of garlic in a baking dish and generously pour 1/2 cup of olive oil over them. Allow this aromatic blend to roast in the oven for 1.5 hours until the garlic cloves are soft and golden.

Alternative Method:

For those pressed for time, opt for a quicker stovetop approach. Cook the garlic and olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan for 30 minutes until the garlic is tender. It’s crucial not to substitute this garlic-infused olive oil; it forms the soul of the dressing.

Creating the Dressing

Transfer the roasted garlic and olive oil to a food processor. Add in the finely chopped parsley, grated pecorino romano, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Pulse these ingredients until a luscious, green dressing is achieved.

Preparing the Kale

Take your kale to the next level by massaging it with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. Allow it to rest for a few minutes or up to an hour in the fridge.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, gently toss the kale with the garlic herb dressing and sprinkle with some extra grated pecorino romano. Top with toasted petitas and serve!