Cavolo Nero Kale Chopped Salad with Bacon

Cavolo nero kale BLT salad in a white plate on a wood board with a fork on the side.

5 from 1 vote

Cavolo Nero Kale Chopped Salad with Bacon

This savory Cavolo Nero Kale Chopped Salad with Bacon and creamy lemon dressing is a beautiful crispy salad for easy weeknight meals or summer cookouts. Crisp, savory bacon paired with tangy lemon and juicy tomatoes makes a delicious side dish or dinner salad, using fresh cavolo nero (lacinato) kale, ready in just minutes.

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Method: Stovetop

Special Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Low-FODMAP, Whole30

Servings: servings

Calories: 100kcal

Author: Tracey Hatch-Rizzi

Ingredients

For the salad

1 bunch kale I used lacinato which is Tuscan Kale
½ pint grape tomatoes cut in half
6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste
Creamy Lemon Dressing with Crème Fraiche or use your favorite dressing

For massaging the kale (optional)

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pinch sea salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the kale

Remove the spines or stems from the kale and cut into small pieces (see post for detailed instructions).
Rinse the kale and spin dry in a salad spinner or dry with a towel.

Massage the kale (optional)

Place kale in a large bowl, drizzle with the olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt.
Massage the kale with your hands for 3-4 minutes (see post for tips and details).

Assemble the salad

Add a small amount of dressing to the kale and toss. Add more to taste.
Divide the salad onto plates and top with sliced tomatoes and bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

How to store

You can store this salad dressed or undressed, as kale doesn’t tend to wilt like lettuce.

Simply store in an airtight container or bowl covered in plastic wrap. Before serving leftovers, toss with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Variations and add-ins

Here are a handful of decadent ideas to switch things up:

Lettuce salad – swap out hearty kale for butter lettuce
Add protein – grilled or smoked salmon, leftover Roast Chicken, sliced chicken breast or your favorite protein. Make it a breakfast salad with a fried egg!
Add nuts – try candied pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower, hemp or chia seeds
Make a fall or harvest salad – with bacon and cranberries, nuts or roasted winter squash
Top with cheese – toss in some of your favorite cheese like crumbled blue cheese, cotija or mozzarella balls
Salad add-ins – add some of your favorite salad ingredients like avocado, cucumbers or radishes

Nutrition