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Harvest Kale Salad

Harvest Kale Salad

Harvest Kale Salad is a vibrant and nutritious fall salad featuring fresh kale, crisp apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and tangy cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or light main, this salad celebrates seasonal flavors, textures, and health benefits, making it a colorful and satisfying addition to your autumn meals.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • Fresh kale (about 1 bunch, stems removed, leaves chopped or torn)
  • 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sharp cheddar or goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallots

Maple Vinaigrette Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Additional

  • Pinch of salt (for massaging kale)
  • Drizzle of olive oil (for massaging kale)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale: Wash kale leaves thoroughly and remove tough stems. Chop or tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness.
  2. Chop the ingredients: Core and dice the apples into small cubes. Finely slice the red onion or shallots. Roughly chop the toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale, diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, sliced onions, and crumbled cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Let the flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the kale soften further and the flavors blend perfectly.

Notes

  • Massage the kale: Helps soften the tougher leaves and improve flavor absorption.
  • Toast your nuts: Enhances their flavor and adds a rich crunch.
  • Use crisp apples: Firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji keep the salad crunchy.
  • Balance sweetness and acidity: Adjust the amounts of maple syrup and vinegar in the dressing to taste.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients in advance to save time on busy days.
  • Serving suggestions: Garnish with extra nuts, fresh cranberries, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and appeal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; keep dressing separate to maintain crunch.
  • Not suitable for freezing due to fresh ingredients and dressing.
  • Best served cold or room temperature: Avoid reheating to maintain crispness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required (toasting nuts optional)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Harvest Kale Salad, autumn salad, fall salad, kale salad, healthy salad, maple vinaigrette, seasonal salad, nutritious salad