Burrata Kale: The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Superfood Combo

Burrata Kale Salad: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and utterly delicious salad that’s about to become your new go-to lunch or light dinner! Imagine creamy, dreamy burrata cheese nestled amongst tender kale, bursting with fresh flavors and textures. It’s a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While kale salads have surged in popularity in recent years, the addition of burrata elevates this dish to a whole new level of culinary sophistication. Burrata, originating from the Puglia region of Italy, is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its name translates to “buttered” in Italian, hinting at its rich and decadent nature. The combination of earthy kale and the luxurious creaminess of burrata is a match made in heaven.

People adore this Burrata Kale salad for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The slightly bitter kale is perfectly complemented by the sweet and milky burrata. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt enhance the natural flavors, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant weekend brunches. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and utterly irresistible dish that you’ll want to make again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Tuscan kale, ribs removed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 (8 ounce) ball of burrata cheese
• Crusty bread, for serving
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparing the Kale:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our kale. I know, kale can seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s super easy to work with. The key is to remove those tough ribs. I usually just fold the kale leaf in half along the rib and then slice it out with a knife. You can also tear the leaves off the rib if you prefer.

1. Wash the Kale: Once you’ve removed the ribs, give the chopped kale a good rinse under cold water. Make sure to get all the dirt and grit off. I like to use a salad spinner to dry it thoroughly, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Massage the Kale (Optional but Recommended): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Massaging the kale helps to break down the tough fibers and makes it much more tender and palatable. Just drizzle a little olive oil (about a teaspoon) over the kale and then use your hands to massage it for a minute or two. You’ll notice the kale starts to soften and darken slightly.

Sautéing the Kale:

Now for the fun part – cooking the kale! This is where the magic happens and the kale transforms from something a little bitter to something incredibly delicious.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet. You might need to do this in batches if you have a lot of kale, as it will shrink down as it cooks.
4. Sauté the Kale: Sauté the kale for 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly wilted. Stir frequently to ensure that the kale cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
5. Season the Kale: Season the kale with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as kale can handle a good amount of salt.

Finishing Touches:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to add the finishing touches that will really elevate this dish.

1. Add the Pine Nuts: Stir in the toasted pine nuts. I love the nutty flavor and crunchy texture that they add.
2. Add the Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the kale and burrata. The lemon zest adds a lovely aroma and extra layer of flavor.
3. Remove from Heat: Remove the skillet from the heat.

Assembling the Dish:

Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the dish! This is where it all comes together and becomes a culinary masterpiece (if I do say so myself!).

1. Place the Kale on a Plate: Spoon the sautéed kale onto a serving plate or individual plates.
2. Top with Burrata: Gently place the burrata cheese on top of the kale. I like to use my hands to do this, as it’s the gentlest way to handle the delicate cheese.
3. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional): If you’re using balsamic glaze, drizzle it over the burrata and kale. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the other flavors perfectly.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese (Optional): If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the burrata and kale. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note that enhances the overall flavor.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping and enjoying all those delicious juices.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Type of Kale: I prefer to use Tuscan kale (also known as Lacinato kale or dinosaur kale) for this recipe, but you can also use curly kale. If using curly kale, you might want to massage it for a little longer to help break down the tough fibers.
• Garlic: If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it altogether. Or, you can use a garlic-infused olive oil for a more subtle garlic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Pine Nuts: If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, you can substitute them with other nuts, such as slivered almonds or chopped walnuts.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: The lemon juice and zest add a bright, acidic note, but you can substitute them with other citrus juices, such as orange juice or grapefruit juice.
• Burrata Cheese: If you can’t find burrata cheese, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese.
• Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens.
• Parmesan Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, you can add some protein to this dish, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner. The combination of the earthy kale, creamy burrata, and bright lemon is simply irresistible. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make! So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Conclusion:

This Burrata Kale salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will redefine your perception of healthy eating. The creamy, decadent burrata perfectly complements the earthy kale, while the bright lemon vinaigrette ties everything together in a symphony of deliciousness. Trust me, this is one recipe you absolutely need in your repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress, whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering.

But why is this particular Burrata Kale salad a must-try? It’s all about the balance. The slight bitterness of the kale is beautifully offset by the richness of the burrata, creating a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty kick that awakens the senses. It’s a complete culinary experience in a single bowl!

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be fantastic additions to make it a more substantial meal.
* Get fruity: Toss in some sliced strawberries, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds for a touch of sweetness and added antioxidants.
* Nutty goodness: Swap out the pine nuts for toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different textural element.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a subtle kick of heat.
* Cheese please!: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or even crumbled goat cheese would work as a substitute, although the texture won’t be quite the same.
* Make it a meal: Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping into the creamy burrata and soaking up the delicious vinaigrette.
* Seasonal twist: In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or apples for a warm and comforting variation.
* Elevate the presentation: Arrange the kale on a platter and artfully place the burrata in the center, drizzling with the vinaigrette and sprinkling with the toasted nuts. This makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it will become one in yours too. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible flavor profile makes it a winner every time.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the store, grab the ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of Burrata Kale. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!