Kale and Smoked Bacon salad with Zinfandel Vinaigrette Recipe

Kale and Smoked Bacon salad with Zinfandel Vinaigrette Recipe

  • 6 tablespoons Zinfandel vinegar or other red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots (about 2 large)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 ounces smoked bacon
  • 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt plus additional (for seasoning)
  • 4 bunches kale, center stems removed, leaves torn into large pieces
  • Special equipment: Salad spinner
  1. Combine vinegar, shallots, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
  2. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels. Reserve skillet with drippings.
  3. Fill large bowl with ice water. Bring large pot of water to boil; add 2 tablespoons coarse salt. Add all of kale and cook 2 minutes. Drain; transfer kale to ice water and let cool until cold, about 1 minute. Drain kale. Working in batches, spin drained kale in salad spinner to remove additional water. Place kale in large bowl. Crumble bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and add to kale.
  4. Rewarm drippings in skillet. Whisk 2 tablespoons drippings into vinaigrette (reserve remaining drippings for another use). Season vinaigrette with coarse salt and pepper. Toss salad with vinaigrette.
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