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Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Summer Kale Salad with fresh cherries and blueberries, bacon and feta in a serving bowl

A Summer Kale Salad Recipe that will blow your mind! Filled with fresh cherries and blueberries for some sweet then countered with salty bacon and feta. Perfect for a backyard bbq party this summer!

It’s all about perspective!

The news these days has been lighting up with major headlines. Bruce Jenner changing to Caitlyn Jenner and getting a front page feature on Vanity Fair. The United States legalizing same sex marriage. The horrific shooting at the church in Charleston, South Carolina that killed nine people including the pastor.

It’s easy to get caught up in the those headlines and lots of people tend to take “sides” on these and many other topics. I’m sure you’ve heard those “sides” or opinions if you’ve watched the news or been on the internet. While I think there’s value in stating your beliefs I think what’s ultimately most important is how we treat each other and how much energy we invest in loving each other.

Several fresh cherries

Overall we are called to love not judge. Only God has the final say. So why spin our wheels arguing over who is right or wrong and trying to get our “opinion” out there. Instead lets spend all that energy loving the person in front of us for who they are! Who knows, maybe that unrelenting non judgmental love will pierce through someones heart and completely alter their life. Isn’t that what Jesus did anyways?

He invited the most hated of the town into his home and ate dinner with them, he loved the downcast, saved the prostitute, and healed the sick. That is life changing love, the kind that pierces through society and completely trancends time! Thats the kind of love I want to show to other people!

Top view of Summer Kale Salad next to balsamic vinaigrette and fresh cherries

Let’s love and let God take care of the rest!

It’s all about perspective. Instead of fixing our eyes on the things that could cause us fear, anxiety, or anger – lets fix our eyes on Jesus and all those things will dull in comparison! Just some words of encouragement today!

Love you sweet friends!

Close-up of Summer Kale Salad with fresh cherries and blueberries, pecans, bacon and feta in a serving bowl

Ok, let’s move on to the food business for today! Shall we?

Since 4th of July is right around the corner, I thought I would come up with a fun Red, White, and Blue recipe for you! I was realizing that I didn’t have to many “festive” recipes on JHE so I thought it was waranted.

On a side note, I just posted a roundup on Parade’s online magazine with 17 Healthy Dessert Recipes for the 4th of July – make sure you grab it so your ready for this weekend!

Collage of Summer Kale Salad ingredients in a bowl and completed Summer Kale Salad

This Cherry Summer Kale Salad recipe was inspired by all the yummy fresh fruit that is bountiful right now!  I threw every fruit I could think of into this gorgeous salad! It is filled with fresh cherries, blueberries, BACON (yes), feta cheese, pecans, and granny smith apples!

The sweet salty combo of this salad will blow your mind and the nutritional value is an added bonus! The fresh vibrant tastes and colors will make it a hit at your next party!  I hope it makes a debut this weekend, I know it will at mine!

Bon Appetite!

Summer Kale Salad with fresh cherries and blueberries, pecans, bacon and feta in a serving bowl

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Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette-3

Cherry Summer Kale Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Salad, Gluten Free, Side Dishes
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A Summer Kale Salad Recipe filled with fresh cherries, sweet blueberries, salty bacon, and creamy feta. Perfect for a backyard bbq party this summer!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups kale leaves, massaged
  • 6 strips bacon, diced
  • 1 cup cherries, halved (seeds removed)
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced granny smith apple
  • 1/4 cup pecan pieces

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon dy basil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper to season

Instructions

  1. Massage torn kale leaves with a bit of sea salt. (see these instructions)
  2. Heat a medium saute pan to medium high heat, add bacon and cook fro 5 minutes until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to let grease drain.
  3. In a small bowl add dijon mustard, honey, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk to emulsify (so the oil and vinegar are no longer separated).
  4. In a large bowl add kale, bacon, cherries, blueberries, feta cheese, apples, and pecan pieces.
  5. Serve dressing on the side or toss in at the last minute.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 236
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 305 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 16 mg

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IF YOU MAKE ONE OF THESE RECIPES, BE SURE TO SNAP A PIC AND HASHTAG IT #JOYFULHEALTHYEATS. I LOVE SEEING WHAT YOU MAKE!

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