I have been having a bit of a love affair with this salad this summer.
We met casually, in a friend’s back yard. I couldn’t stay away from it, and then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Our friends came to the Dinner in White and I casually mentioned that they might bring this salad, you know, if they wanted. They did. I sat next to it at the table.
It’s been on my mind ever since. Today, by some stroke of luck, J was working from home, the baby was napping, and the older girls weren’t home yet. We took full advantage of that rare quiet moment together. By grilling a bunch of curly kale and having this salad for lunch.
I’m sorry I’ve kept it from you for so long, but it’s not too late. Clear your calendar of any other rendezvous you’ve planned. You too will fall in love with this salad this weekend.
Grilled Kale Salad with Ricotta and Plums (adapted from Bon Appetit): First make a vinaigrette in a medium bowl by whisking together 3 Tbsp. olive oil, 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp. freshly chopped thyme and 1 tsp. honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thinly slice a few plums, toss them in the dressing, then scoop them out and set them aside.
Wash and dry a large bunch of curly kale. Leave the stems intact for now (it makes the leaves easier to handle on the grill) and brush each leaf lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill kale over a hot fire for about a minute on each side, until the edges are crisp but not burnt. Transfer to a cutting board, cut the stem out of the center of each leaf, and chop into large bite-sized pieces. Toss grilled leaves with a few spoonfuls of dressing.
Plate each salad individually by scooping some ricotta cheese onto a plate or bowl and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Pile kale leaves all around the cheese. Top with plums and drizzle with a little more vinaigrette.
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Emmy Cooks 
BUT I JUST MADE RICOTTA. How did you know? This looks yum, thanks!
Wow. Fascinating. I have a decent sub-out for the cheese…. Now all I need is some plums. Thanks!
Lovely looking dish (as usual).
Best,
Conor
I never would have thought to put those three ingredients together. Looks phenomenal!
Delicious as always Emmy!
I can’t believe I still haven’t tried grilling kale… I’ll try this (or something similar) with my next bunch!
Time to head out for plums and ricotta… looks delicious!
Might try grilled kale tomorrow as I was planning to finish the kale left in the RV fridge and we will be firing up a grill (fire restrictions permitting) for a grass-fed sirloin steak I bought directly from the farm in Aspen anyway. Don’t have the other ingredients though, so I’ll probably pair with blue cheese and trail mix again ;)
I can never find enough recipes for kale, it’s so good for us! When you say grill.. you mean barbecue grill?? Or would you do this on a hot skillet? This is one I definitely want to make!! xx
Love plums with ricotta – this looks so good. There is a grilled caesar salad at one of our favorite restaurants that I fantasize about … since the restaurant is back east we are sort of dating long distance. I can imagine grilled kale might bring a similar sort of smoky sexy vibe. The other night I was so craving “my” grilled salad that I threw romaine lettuce in my wok. Yeah, not quite the same.
Sounds like a perfect combination! I haven’t used ricotta on a salad before, but sounds great. I just got back in town so need to scout out the local plum tree I pick and see (hope) there are still some left!
This is a lovely salad. The combination of kale, plums and ricotta sounds very appealing, and I’ve never thought to grill kale before.
Can’t wait to try this. Will use dark grapes if I can’t find plums now. My girls will love it when they come home for the holidays. You are amazing, Emily!
Grapes would be so good! I am going to do that now too–I’ve been missing this salad since plums went away. I’ve been roasting grapes in olive oil and rosemary lately–those would be a-ok here too, I think. Have fun with your girls! And I miss you! Let’s make a date via email. :)