Award-winning chef. Successful restaurateur. Iron Chef judge. Social media star. Donatella Arpaia has done it all. Still her favorite thing to do is working in the kitchen, creating inspiring dishes using the freshest, most authentic ingredients—including Galbani® cheese. Explore her latest menu ideas and learn tricks of the trade from this inspirational entrepreneur.

Galbani® Sweet & Spicy Kale Salad With Ciliegine

INGREDIENTS

1 large bunch Tuscan kale (about ½  lb.)
¼ cup Vincotto or balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. Agave
¼ cup Red grapes, halved and pitted
2 tbsp. Pine nuts, toasted
¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. Calabrian chili paste (or red pepper flakes)
½ cup Galbani Fresh Mozzarella Marinated Ciliegine
  Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
   

METHOD

  1. Remove center ribs and stems from the kale. Wash and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a large bowl and set aside.

  2. To make the grape sauce, pour 2 tbsp. vincotto or balsamic vinegar and agave into a bowl and stir until combined. Add grapes and set aside to marinate.

  3. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking the pan often, until just beginning to color, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

  4. To make the garlic sauce, heat the olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add Calabrian chili and stir for 30 seconds more, taking great care to ensure garlic doesn’t burn.

  5. In a pan over medium heat, add the kale, grape sauce, salt, and pepper, and toss leaves for 20 to 30 seconds, just until the kale slightly softens, and the warm grape sauce completely covers the salad.

  6. Transfer the salad immediately to salad plates, and drizzle with the garlic sauce, as well as any extra grape sauce from the pan.

  7. Top with Ciliegine, sprinkle with pine nuts, drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp. vincotto or balsamic vinegar, and serve.

Pairings

  • Wine & Spirits
  • Beer
  • Proteins
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Nuts, Grains & Starches
  • Flavors, Spices & Condiments