Description
Hearty Mediterranean kale and farro salad blends rustic ingredients with crisp sourdough breadcrumbs. Nutritious greens and nutty grains create a satisfying meal that connects Mediterranean culinary traditions with contemporary home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch (6 oz / 170 g) kale, thick ribs removed
- 1 cup (114 g) farro, cooked
- 2 slices day-old sourdough bread, torn into coarse crumbs (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup (42 g) pecorino romano cheese, finely grated
- ¼ cup (50 g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsps lemon juice, from 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¼ cup barberries
- 1/8 tsp dried chile flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Kale Preparation: Remove tough stems from kale, tearing curly varieties into bite-sized pieces or slicing lacinato kale into thin ribbons.
- Dressing Creation: Craft a zesty vinaigrette by blending crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chile flakes, salt, and black pepper until harmoniously combined.
- Kale Massage: Thoroughly work dressing into kale leaves, ensuring complete coverage, then fold in pecorino cheese and allow to rest for flavor melding.
- Farro Cooking: Simmer farro according to package guidelines, drain completely, and toss with olive oil and salt before cooling to room temperature.
- Breadcrumb Transformation: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread sourdough crumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until golden and crisp, stirring periodically.
- Final Composition: Layer dressed kale in serving vessels, crown with cooled farro, scatter crispy breadcrumbs and barberries, then finish with an elegant dusting of pecorino cheese.
Notes
- Kale Prep Trick: Remove tough stems carefully to ensure tender, enjoyable bites and prevent stringy texture.
- Garlic Paste Magic: Creating a smooth garlic paste helps distribute flavor evenly and intensifies the dressing’s taste profile.
- Massage Technique: Gently massaging kale with dressing breaks down tough fibers, making leaves softer and more palatable.
- Breadcrumb Pro Tip: Watch breadcrumbs closely while baking to achieve perfect golden crispiness without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg