Mediterranean Kale & Feta Salad with Crispy Pita Chips
This vibrant Mediterranean Kale & Feta Salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, featuring nutrient-dense kale, sweet grape tomatoes, and tangy kalamata olives. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K, this salad not only promotes wellness but also tantalizes the taste buds. The salad is complemented by crispy homemade pita chips brushed with extra virgin olive oil, making it a delightful and healthy choice for any meal. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light main dish, this recipe is sure to impress at gatherings and is quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Adapted from Food & Wine magazine, this salad is the epitome of nutritious and delicious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kale
1 3/4 lbs (large stems removed and chopped)
Whole wheat pita bread
1 (whole)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for dressing and additional for brushing)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Grape tomatoes
1/2 cup (halved)
Kalamata olives
1/3 cup (pitted, cut lengthwise into slivers)
Feta cheese
2 ounces (crumbled (about 2/3 cup))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Kale & Feta Salad?
It is a nutrient-dense salad featuring chopped kale, sweet grape tomatoes, tangy kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, served with homemade crispy pita chips.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is this Mediterranean kale salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, making it a powerhouse for wellness.
What type of kale is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 lbs of kale with the large stems removed and the leaves chopped.
How do I make the pita chips?
The chips are made by brushing whole wheat pita bread with extra virgin olive oil and crisping them until golden.
What kind of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, which is approximately 2/3 cup.
Is this recipe vegan?
While tagged as vegan, the standard recipe contains feta cheese; to make it truly vegan, you should substitute the feta with a plant-based alternative.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The recipe includes whole wheat pita bread; for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita bread or omit the chips entirely.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The grape tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of kalamata olives, pitted and cut lengthwise into slivers.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the base of the salad?
The base of this salad is 1 3/4 lbs of fresh kale.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Greens.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is perfect as either a refreshing side or a light main dish.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was adapted from Food & Wine magazine.
Does this salad store well for leftovers?
Kale is a hearty green that holds up better than lettuce, though pita chips should be stored separately to remain crispy.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the dressing and additional for brushing the pita.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
What makes this salad a 'powerhouse of nutrients'?
The combination of kale, tomatoes, and olive oil provides high levels of antioxidants and essential vitamins.
How do I prep the kale stems?
You should remove the large, woody stems and discard them, using only the tender leaves.
What kind of pita bread should I buy?
Whole wheat pita bread is recommended for added fiber and nutrition.
Can I use regular olives instead of Kalamata?
Kalamata olives provide a specific tangy flavor, but you can substitute other pitted olives if needed.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, the recipe is described as being quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
Can I use store-bought pita chips?
While homemade chips are featured, you can use store-bought pita chips to save time.
What is the texture of the salad?
It offers a variety of textures including crunchy kale, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and crispy pita chips.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salad good for parties?
Yes, it is sure to impress at gatherings due to its vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors.
Does this recipe contain sodium?
The recipe includes salt to taste, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, all of which contribute to the sodium content.
What are the primary vitamins found in this salad?
This salad is particularly high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K from the kale and tomatoes.