Crispy Kale and Turkey Delight Salad
This Crispy Kale and Turkey Delight Salad is a hearty and vibrant dish that showcases the rich flavors of shredded turkey and crispy cracklings, combined with nutrient-packed kale. It features a zesty lemon dressing that perfectly complements the crunchy sliced almonds and sweet golden raisins. Each bite offers a wonderful texture contrast - from the crispy turkey skin bits to the satisfyingly hearty greens. Ideal for meal prep, this salad is perfect for gatherings or as a delicious weeknight dinner. Impress your family and friends with this gourmet yet simple recipe that packs a punch in flavor and nutrition!
8
Servings
375
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey skin
2-3 pounds (frozen, cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
Water
1 cup (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon + to taste (N/A)
Sliced almonds
2 cups (toasted until golden brown)
Golden raisins
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed from 2 to 4 lemons)
Kosher salt
to taste (N/A)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Garlic
4 cloves (crushed and peeled, left whole)
Kale
1 lb (washed, dried, and stems removed)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
Cooked turkey breast
2 breasts (shredded)
Cooked turkey thighs
2 thighs (shredded)
Instructions
1
Prepare the turkey cracklings by removing the frozen turkey skin from the bag; cut it into roughly 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 1/4 cups).
2
In a 2 to 3-quart heavy saucepan, combine the turkey skin pieces, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a brisk simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the water evaporates and the skin starts frying in its own fat (about 15 minutes).
3
Reduce the heat and continue to fry the cracklings, stirring frequently, until they are deep golden brown and crisp (about 10 to 20 minutes).
4
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cracklings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Season with salt to taste.
5
For the salad, toast the sliced almonds in a toaster oven or skillet until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
6
In a bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and 1 heaping teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until well blended. Add the whole garlic cloves to the dressing, allowing them to steep.
7
Wash and dry the kale; cut it into thin ribbons by gathering the leaves tightly and slicing them into 1/4-inch pieces.
8
In a very large bowl, combine the chopped kale, toasted almonds, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded turkey.
9
Remove and discard the garlic cloves from the lemon dressing, then pour half the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and coat the ingredients. Adjust seasoning and add more dressing if necessary, tossing again to mix thoroughly.
10
Top the salad with crispy turkey cracklings just before serving for optimal crunchiness. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Kale and Turkey Delight Salad?
It is a hearty salad featuring shredded turkey, crispy turkey cracklings, nutrient-packed kale, toasted almonds, and sweet golden raisins, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the turkey cracklings?
The cracklings are made from 2-3 pounds of frozen turkey skin, water, and salt.
How do you prepare the turkey skin for cracklings?
Cut the frozen turkey skin into roughly 3/4-inch pieces, totaling about 1 1/4 cups before cooking.
What is the cooking process for the turkey cracklings?
Combine skin pieces with water and salt, simmer until the water evaporates, then fry the skin in its own fat until golden brown and crisp.
How long does it take to fry the cracklings until they are crisp?
Once the water has evaporated, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes of frying and frequent stirring to reach a deep golden brown color.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the protein content of the Crispy Kale and Turkey Delight Salad?
Each serving provides about 22.5 grams of protein.
How should the kale be prepared for the salad?
The kale should be washed, dried, stems removed, and then cut into thin 1/4-inch ribbons.
What ingredients are used in the lemon dressing?
The dressing consists of fresh lemon juice, salt, extra-virgin olive oil, and whole garlic cloves for steeping.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil.
What do I do with the garlic cloves in the dressing?
The garlic cloves should be crushed and left whole to steep in the dressing, then removed and discarded before pouring the dressing over the salad.
How should the sliced almonds be prepared?
Toast 2 cups of sliced almonds in a toaster oven or skillet until they are fragrant and golden brown.
What kind of turkey meat is used in the salad?
The salad uses shredded cooked turkey meat from 2 breasts and 2 thighs.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being ideal for meal prep and perfect for gatherings.
When should the turkey cracklings be added to the salad?
Top the salad with the cracklings just before serving to ensure they remain optimally crunchy.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of raisins are used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of golden raisins.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 27.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, turkey, kale, healthy, crunchy, meal prep, poultry, easy recipe, holiday, and party food.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is roughly 2 to 4 lemons.
How should the cracklings be handled after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, then season with salt to taste.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing used?
Yes, the instructions suggest starting with half the dressing, tossing, and then adding more as necessary based on your preference.
What is the total weight of the kale used?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of kale.
Is any water used in the salad itself?
Water is only used during the initial stage of preparing the turkey cracklings to help render the fat.
How do you achieve the best texture for this salad?
The best texture is achieved by combining the hearty greens with the crunchy toasted almonds and adding the crispy cracklings immediately before serving.
What size pot is recommended for cooking the turkey skin?
A 2 to 3-quart heavy saucepan is recommended.
Does this recipe contain any fiber information?
The specific fiber count is not provided in the raw data, though kale and almonds are typically high-fiber ingredients.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is described as zesty and savory, featuring lemon and garlic-infused olive oil.