This Kale Apple Salad is a fresh, healthy, and delicious salad packed with vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of massaged kale, crisp Fuji apples, pears, and toasted pecans creates a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. Dried cranberries (craisin) add a chewy, tart contrast, while the lemon honey dressing ties it all together with a tangy-sweet finish. Perfect for a nutritious side dish, a light lunch, or a holiday spread, this salad is a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.
Ingredients
For the Salad Dressing:
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Kale Salad:
- 1 bunch kale (about 8 cups loosely packed), well rinsed
- 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple (a crisp Fuji apple works well)
- 1 pear (firm, such as Bartlett or Anjou)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted in a dry skillet
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Kale:
- Rinse the kale thoroughly and strip the leaves from the stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. To ensure there’s no dust, rinse the chopped kale a second time and dry it in a salad spinner.
- Massage the Kale:
- Place the kale in a large salad bowl and top with craisin (dried cranberries). Drizzle the dressing over the kale and use your hands to gently massage the leaves until the kale starts to wilt (about 1-2 minutes). This will make the kale more tender and flavorful.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Add the Toppings:
- Before serving, slice the apple and pear into thin slices. Add the sliced onion and toasted pecans to the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Fresh: The combination of kale, apple, pear, and pecans provides a refreshing crunch, making this salad a perfect addition to any meal or a standalone dish.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, this salad is as nourishing as it is tasty.
- Versatile: This salad can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch. The flavors pair wonderfully with many types of proteins, from grilled chicken to roasted salmon.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Kale Preparation: Massage the kale for a softer texture. If you prefer a milder taste, you can also substitute kale with baby spinach or arugula.
- Nuts: Toasted walnuts or almonds are great alternatives to pecans. You can even leave the nuts out for a nut-free version.
- Fruit Substitutes: Swap the apple and pear for other seasonal fruits like grapes, pomegranate seeds, or orange slices.
- Make Ahead: This salad is even better after marinating overnight, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with the dressing by adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It’s actually best if it’s made ahead so the kale can soften and the flavors meld. Just add the apple, pear, onion, and pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Can I use pre-cut kale? Yes, you can use pre-cut or pre-washed kale to save time. Just be sure to massage it as instructed to soften it up.
- Is there a vegan version of this recipe? Yes, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing to make it vegan-friendly.
Serving and Suggestions
- Protein Pairings: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a complete meal.
- With Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast for a light lunch or dinner.
- With Cheese: Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
This Kale Apple Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection!
Kale Apple Salad Recipe
6
servings5
minutes4
hoursIngredients
For the Salad Dressing:
4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Kale Salad:
1 bunch kale (about 8 cups loosely packed), well rinsed
1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 apple (a crisp Fuji apple works well)
1 pear (firm, such as Bartlett or Anjou)
1 cup pecans, toasted in a dry skillet
Directions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Kale:
- Rinse the kale thoroughly and strip the leaves from the stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. To ensure there’s no dust, rinse the chopped kale a second time and dry it in a salad spinner.
- Massage the Kale:
- Place the kale in a large salad bowl and top with craisin (dried cranberries). Drizzle the dressing over the kale and use your hands to gently massage the leaves until the kale starts to wilt (about 1-2 minutes). This will make the kale more tender and flavorful.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Add the Toppings:
- Before serving, slice the apple and pear into thin slices. Add the sliced onion and toasted pecans to the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
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