What are the ingredients in Taylor salad?
The internet sensation known as the "Taylor salad" is a vibrant, hearty dish that gained popularity through social media, primarily TikTok. It's a flavorful, superfood-packed meal, not an official Taylor Swift recipe, but one inspired by online speculation and creative home cooks. The salad's appeal lies in its combination of textures and tastes: a tender, massaged kale base, sweet and tart dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy maple vinaigrette dressing. While some variations exist, a core set of ingredients defines this dish.
Core components of the viral Taylor salad
- Base: A mix of finely chopped kale (curly or Lacinato) and sometimes shredded purple cabbage provides a nutrient-dense, sturdy base that holds up well to dressing.
- Sweetness: Dried cranberries add a delightful pop of tart and sweet flavor, contrasting with the savory elements.
- Crunch: Toasted pistachios or walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cheese: Shaved or crumbled Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth that balances the fruit and dressing.
- Creamy Dressing: A simple maple balsamic vinaigrette is a signature element, often featuring balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
The comprehensive Taylor salad recipe
Creating the Taylor salad is a straightforward process, focusing on proper preparation of the kale and balancing the flavors.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 large bunch of kale (curly or Lacinato), stems removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup toasted pistachios or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
For the maple balsamic vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Massage the Kale: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale and thinly sliced shallot. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil and a pinch of salt over the kale. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted. This crucial step breaks down the tough fibers and makes the salad more palatable.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Salad: Add the massaged kale mixture to a large serving bowl. Toss with the dried cranberries, toasted nuts, shaved Parmesan cheese, and shredded purple cabbage (if using).
- Dress and Serve: Pour the maple balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Comparison: Popular TikTok Salad Ingredients
| Feature | Taylor Salad (TikTok Viral) | TikTok Grinder Salad | TikTok Dill Pickle Salad (Taylor Farms Copycat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Chopped kale, optional shredded cabbage | Chopped iceberg lettuce | Chopped romaine and red cabbage |
| Main Toppings | Dried cranberries, toasted pistachios/walnuts, shaved Parmesan | Deli meats (ham, turkey, salami), provolone cheese | Dill pickles, bacon, white cheddar, pecans |
| Dressing | Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette | Mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, herbs | Creamy dill pickle ranch |
| Protein | Primarily plant-based, though grilled chicken can be added | Deli meats | Bacon, optional chicken |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory | Tangy, creamy, and meaty | Creamy, tangy, and sour |
| Texture | Crunchy, tender, chewy | Creamy, crunchy | Crunchy, creamy |
Expert tips for perfecting your Taylor salad
To elevate your Taylor salad, consider these pro tips:
- Substitute Greens: If kale is too tough for your liking, use a mix of kale and butter lettuce, or opt for a pre-made chopped kale salad kit for convenience, like the Taylor Farms Sweet Kale version.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa. This adds a boost of protein and turns it into a complete lunch or dinner.
- Customize the Crunch: Don't limit yourself to pistachios or walnuts. Sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or crispy fried onions can all be fantastic additions.
- Soak the Shallots: To mellow their intense flavor, soak the sliced shallots in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This trick works well for red onions, too.
- Use Quality Ingredients: A higher-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil will make a noticeable difference in the dressing's flavor. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always produce the best results.
The versatility of the Taylor salad
While the core recipe is a hit, its ingredients and structure make it highly adaptable. The combination of sturdy greens and a balanced vinaigrette provides a great foundation for experimentation. For a winter-themed version, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. In the summer, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can replace the cranberries, and the vinaigrette can be brightened with a splash of orange juice. This adaptability is part of what makes the Taylor salad so appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Conclusion
The viral Taylor salad, a creation born from the internet's love for celebrity-inspired food trends, is more than just a passing fad. Its well-balanced combination of superfood greens, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty maple balsamic dressing makes it a delicious and satisfying meal. By following this complete guide to the ingredients and preparation, you can recreate this popular TikTok recipe at home. The salad's heartiness and adaptability make it a staple for anyone looking for a fresh, flavorful, and filling dish, proving that great recipes can come from the most unexpected places.
What are the ingredients in Taylor salad?
The viral TikTok recipe known as the Taylor salad is not officially from Taylor Swift but includes chopped kale, dried cranberries, pistachios or walnuts, shaved Parmesan, and a maple balsamic vinaigrette.
How do you make the maple balsamic vinaigrette for the Taylor salad?
To make the dressing, simply whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until it is creamy and emulsified.
What is the secret to a great Taylor salad?
The secret is massaging the kale with a little olive oil and salt before adding the other ingredients. This softens the kale leaves, making them less bitter and easier to eat.
What are some optional additions to the Taylor salad?
For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa. Other popular additions include shredded purple cabbage, avocado, or sunflower seeds.
Can you make the Taylor salad vegan?
Yes, to make the Taylor salad vegan, simply omit the shaved Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative. The dressing is naturally vegan.
Is the Taylor salad good for meal prep?
Yes, the sturdy kale base makes this salad perfect for meal prep. Store the dressing and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Why is it called the Taylor salad?
It was dubbed the "Taylor salad" after a popular TikTok video from The Salad Lab featured a recipe rumored to be a favorite of Taylor Swift, although this has not been confirmed.
