Gusto 101: Cavolo Nero Kale Salad Recipe

In my top three favourite salads of all-time, you’ll find the Cavolo Nero from Gusto 101 up there.

It's unlike any other kale salad in that it's tender, sweet, salty and creamy. Perfect under a grilled steak or chicken, or heck, even on its own! If you cannot visit this Toronto restaurant in person to enjoy their year-round rooftop patio and wine on tap, make this at home to imagine yourself there.

The recipe below is my humble take on their genius and serves two - or one, if you're me.

Ingredients

Salad

• 4 C of chopped kale (massaged and washed for 5-10 mins)

• 4 T dried cranberries

• 4 T pine nuts, toasted

Dressing

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 2 T honey

• 4 T olive oil

• salt and pepper

• 1/4 c grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings

• crispy serrano ham

• grilled steak or chicken

• lots of cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Combine dressing ingredients in a large non-metal bowl.

2. Add chopped kale to the bowl. Toss to coat.

3. Set aside for 30 minutes or more to tenderize the kale, stirring once or twice.

4. Add cranberries and pine nuts, and toss well.

4) Plate and garnish with extra cheese and cracked black pepper.

5) Top with whatever you like and enjoy!

Other honorable mentions from Gusto 101 include their Polette Pizze & Malfalde ai Funghi.