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Kale Salad with Pinenuts, Currants and Parmesan

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant kale salad with pine nuts and currants is a sophisticated vegetarian dish that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savoury, and acidic flavours. By soaking the currants in balsamic vinegar and allowing the thinly sliced Tuscan kale to marinate in the dressing, the hardy leaves soften beautifully while absorbing the bright, honey-flecked vinaigrette. It is a textured, nutritious salad that feels much more indulgent than its simple ingredient list suggests.

Ideal as a healthy lunch or a refined side dish for a dinner party, this recipe highlights the versatility of seasonal greens. The addition of toasted pine nuts provides a delicate crunch, while shavings of salty Parmesan cheese offer a rich finish. For the best results, ensure you prepare the currants a day in advance to achieve that characteristic plump texture.

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Ingredients for Kale Salad with Pinenuts, Currants and Parmesan

  • 2 tablespoons dried currants

  • 110ml white balsamic vinegar, divided

  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 bunches Tuscan kale (about 450g ), centre ribs and stems removed, leaves thinly sliced crosswise

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted

  • Parmesan cheese shavings

How to make Kale Salad with Pinenuts, Currants and Parmesan

Place currants in small bowl; add 80ml white balsamic vinegar. Let soak overnight. Drain currants.

Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, honey, oil, and salt in large bowl. Add kale, currants, and pine nuts; toss to coat. Let marinate 20 minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese shavings over salad and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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