First, let's make the blood orange vinaigrette. Begin by gathering all the ingredients for the vinaigrette, which include blood orange juice, lemon juice, blood orange zest, maple syrup, finely diced shallot, and olive oil. You can either whisk them together in a bowl or place them in a mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake until fully combined. The goal here is to create a smooth and flavorful dressing that will elevate your salad.
Next, take your kale and prepare it. Remove the ribs from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl. This leafy green is the heart of your Citrus Kale Salad, so be sure to massage it a bit with your hands to soften the leaves and break down the fibers.
Now, pour a few tablespoons of the prepared dressing over the kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale for a few minutes. This process helps the kale absorb the flavors of the dressing. Allow the dressed kale to sit while you prepare the other ingredients. Trust me, this step is crucial for enhancing the taste!
While the kale is marinating, it's time to prepare the other delicious ingredients. Slice the persimmon into thin half-moons, peel and separate the mandarin orange into wedges, and chop the cooked chicken or turkey into bite-sized pieces. These ingredients will add sweetness, protein, and a lovely texture to your salad.
Once all the ingredients are prepped, return to your bowl of kale. Add the sliced persimmon, mandarin orange wedges, cooked chicken or turkey, and goat cheese to the salad bowl. The colors and textures will be stunning at this stage!
Next, add the raw walnuts to the mix. They’ll provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruits and creaminess of the goat cheese.
Gently toss the salad with your hands or a large spoon to combine all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to crush the goat cheese; you want to maintain those beautiful chunks!
Finally, taste the Citrus Kale Salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also drizzle more of the blood orange vinaigrette on top or serve it on the side for those who like a little extra.
Now, it's time to serve your beautiful Citrus Kale Salad. Enjoy it fresh and vibrant, and watch your friends and family rave about this delicious dish!
