Kale salad with warm bacon dressing is a hearty plant based twist on that classic spinach salad - complete with a smoky warm dressing!
recipe originally published August 18, 2014
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Salad with hot bacon dressing
This kale salad with warm bacon dressing is a vegan version of the classic spinach salad with bacon dressing. Chunks of avocado and a bright tart dried cherry bring new layers of flavor and texture to update the classic recipe.
The original classic recipe for warm bacon dressing caused the spinach / salad greens to wilt. While this vegan bacon dressing recipe works great with spinach, I first dressed a kale salad with it specifically because of its warm temperature and wilting ability.
We all know how tough kale can be, and regular readers know my answer to this is to chiffonade the kale into easily edible ribbons.
This kale salad recipe is a chiffonade, and the warm bacon dressing is just another method of tenderizing.
How to make vegan bacon flavor
What is vegan bacon made of?
One of the main components to a vegan bacon is liquid smoke. Just a tiny bit - a little goes a long way! The layers of flavor and richness in my bacon recipe come from tamari, garlic, smoked paprika, and a fat.
In my rice paper bacon recipe, the fat is a cashew butter or almond butter.
Easy hot bacon dressing recipe
This vegan warm bacon dressing recipe mimics the ingredients used in vegan bacon. For the dressing, the fat is coconut oil. An olive oil works well too. Finally, smoked paprika adds more savory smoke. This dressing has bold, rich flavors and is perfect over a simple salad.
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Kale Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
A hearty plant based twist on that classic spinach salad, complete with a warm, smoky dressing!
Ingredients
salad and toppings
- 1 bunch kale, washed and stems/ribs removed
- ½ avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
- 2 tablespoons dried cherries
Warm Bacon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon tamari (gluten free soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
- To chiffonade the kale: wash thoroughly and pat dry.
- Remove tough ribs from each leaf, stack several leaves together and roll tightly.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice rolled kale into thin strips. Repeat with entire bunch of kale.
- Add kale chiffonade to a large salad bowl.
- To make the dressing: In saucepan over medium heat, melt coconut oil.
- Stir in tamari, liquid smoke, paprika and garlic clove.
- Add sliced mushrooms, sauté in oil until just softened.
- Remove from heat. Pour warm 'bacon' dressing over kale, toss to coat.
- Finish the salad: Top with avocado and cherries.
Notes
dairy, egg, and gluten free, vegan recipe
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 348Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 221mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 8g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Cassandrea at chewsandbrews.ca says
Wow! This salad looks amazing! It's going to be a side dish at my next BBQ for sure!!!
Kristina Sloggett says
awesome Cassandrea - enjoy!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
I have yet to try liquid smoke, and I have no idea why I haven't. Good to know they have a vegan and gluten free option. You just gave me reason to go get some and try this wonderful looking salad!
Kristina Sloggett says
yes! it is quite fun, and we use it a lot, surprisingly!
Kim - Liv Life says
I can't believe it's been almost a year since your wedding! Seems like it was just a few months ago. But I'm so glad you posted this... my son is home from college, and low and behold he has discovered kale! This one is going on our menu this week.
Kristina Sloggett says
ha! I KNOW - so crazy it has almost been a year. wow. great that your son likes the kale - enjoy this salad!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I love kale salads....I make at least one big batch a week, because they hold dressings so well...and truth be told, my daughter is constantly asking for them so its just easier to have them on hand.When I saw this one I had to stop by and check it out! I love that it has avocados too...I'm going to try this!
Kristina Sloggett says
exactly, Michelle - the kale is still "good" even the next day! pretty much the only green salad I'd make enough to have left overs of, ha! I love that your daughter requests kale - hope you all enjoy this salad!
Deanna segrave-Daly says
Oh my heaven - this is exactly what my body is craving right now after overindulging over the holidays (tho I may just need to add a few crumbles of bacon - forgive me?) *
Kristina Sloggett says
ha - okay Deanna, you're forgiven 😉 enjoy!!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I was never a bacon eater either, but do like tempeh bacon. Is that weird? Maybe it's texture more than anything. This looks amazing. And I'm so super excited for you!!! Glad you're not stressing out about it. It'll happen, it'll be awesome and you'll be married!
Heather @ FITaspire says
Ah - so close!!! Enjoy the last few days, the wedding goes by so fast!
Kristina Sloggett says
I know... so many fun events around the big day to enjoy, and then the day itself. we are excited, it is going to be a fun one! 😀
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You were never a bacon fan?! I don't know if we can be friends. 😉
This looks delish... so I'll forgive you. I can't believe the big day is so close!
Kristina Sloggett says
SNORT, yep. I liked the flavor, but not the actual thing. but are you really surprised? I am the girl who flushed a whole hot dog down the toilet when I was 6. well, I tried... happy Monday to you! XO
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Hot dog... toilet... I can see where you'd make that connection.
Kristina Sloggett says
HA!