Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of chopped kale
- 1 cup of cooked balo (orzo pasta)
- 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the balo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, cooked balo, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, and chopped walnuts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Balo can be substituted with any small pasta shape.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Swap out the kale for spinach or arugula.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or diced cucumber for extra freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Massage the kale with a little bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients to make it more tender.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their flavor.
- Make the salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the dressing for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
Storage instructions:
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs
- Feta cheese
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kale is too tough, try massaging it with a little bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the kale thoroughly before using it in the salad.
Food history:
- Balo is a traditional Italian pasta shape that is similar to rice.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is fresh, tangy, and nutty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
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