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Fall Harvest Kale Salad

Fall Harvest Kale Salad

The Fall Harvest Kale Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish celebrating the best of autumn’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. Featuring hearty kale, crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can serve as a main dish or a side, perfect for any fall gathering or healthy meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh kale leaves, washed, stems removed, chopped or torn
  • 2 medium crisp apples, diced
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale: Thoroughly wash the kale leaves and remove the thick stems; then, finely chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to soften its fibrous texture and bring out its natural flavor.
  2. Chop the fruits and veggies: Dice the apples into small cubes and thinly slice the red onion. These fresh ingredients add crispness and pungency that perfectly complement the kale base.
  3. Toast the nuts: Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until fully emulsified. This dressing balances acidity and sweetness to enhance all flavors.
  5. Assemble the salad: Combine kale, apples, dried cranberries, red onion, and toasted pecans in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat every leaf and ingredient evenly. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, savory contrast.

Notes

  • Massage the kale to break down tough leaves, making them tender and easier to enjoy.
  • Use fresh, crisp apples for a juicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with kale’s earthiness.
  • Toast nuts carefully, watching closely to avoid burning and enhance flavor.
  • Make the dressing ahead to let flavors meld for a richer taste.
  • Dress salad just before serving to keep pecans crunchy and kale fresh.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking needed (toasting nuts on stove)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: fall salad, kale salad, autumn recipe, healthy salad, apple salad, harvest salad, nutritious salad