This salad reimagines the beloved “devils on horseback” – bacon-wrapped dates with blue cheese – as a quick, flavorful meal. The combination of sweet dates, salty bacon, and creamy cheese translates surprisingly well into a hearty salad, perfect for those craving those familiar flavors beyond party season.
Building the Base: Kale’s Role
The key to this salad is a sturdy base that can stand up to rich ingredients. Kale is the ideal choice : its robust texture prevents the salad from becoming soggy, and its natural folds hold dressing and cheese crumbles beautifully. Curly or lacinato kale works, but curly kale’s texture is particularly effective at capturing flavor. Gently massaging the kale with a little oil or lemon juice softens it without sacrificing its structure.
The Core Flavors: Bacon, Dates, and Cheese
The magic of this salad comes from the classic pairing of bacon, dates, and cheese. Medjool dates are recommended for their soft, custardy texture and caramel-like sweetness. Roasting the halved dates in residual bacon fat concentrates their flavor, intensifying the sweetness.
For cheese, blue cheese or goat cheese both work well. Larger crumbles are better ; they break down as the salad is tossed, creating pockets of creamy tang throughout. Keeping the cheese cold before serving ensures it holds its shape and delivers a refreshing contrast to the warm bacon and dates.
Balancing Act: Why This Works
This salad isn’t just about replicating an appetizer. It’s about taking a familiar flavor profile and making it accessible for a weeknight meal. The kale provides a healthy, grounding element, while the bacon, dates, and cheese deliver the indulgent, craveable notes that make “devils on horseback” so popular.
This salad proves that even party favorites can be adapted into satisfying, everyday meals. The combination of textures and flavors is addictive, making it a simple yet sophisticated addition to your repertoire.
