Description
This Autumn Apple Walnut Kale Salad is a celebration of fall’s bounty, bringing together the crispness of apples, the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts, and the hearty goodness of kale. It’s a salad that feels both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. You’ll love its beautiful colors and the way the flavors meld together into a truly harmonious bite.
Ingredients
1 large bunch of Tuscan or curly kale (stems removed, leaves finely chopped)
1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
1/3 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the kale leaves by washing, drying, removing stems, and finely chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the kale. Gently massage the leaves with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and reduce in size.
3. Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
4. Add the sliced apples, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the massaged kale.
5. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything.
6. Gently stir in the crumbled cheese.
7. Taste the salad and add more dressing if you like.
8. This salad is best when chilled for 30 minutes before serving, making it ideal for meal prep.
Notes
Toasting Walnuts: Keep a close eye on walnuts when toasting them. They can burn quickly. A few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a moderate oven is usually all it takes for them to become fragrant and golden.
Preventing Apple Browning: If you’re not assembling the salad immediately, toss the chopped apple pieces with a little extra lemon juice to help prevent them from browning.
Dressing Consistency: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer a little more sweetness, a touch more acidity, or extra salt and pepper.
Kale Prep: Ensure your kale is completely dry after washing. Excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. A salad spinner is a great tool for this.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American