Delightful Kale Salad with Apples for a Fresh Twist

Kale Salad with Apples is the perfect blend of crunchy greens and sweet, juicy apples, making it a delight for your taste buds. This vibrant dish offers a refreshing burst of flavor that dances on your palate, while also providing a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Picture this: it’s a warm Sunday afternoon, and you’re hosting friends for brunch. The air is filled with laughter and tantalizing aromas, your guests are raving about your cooking skills. You serve this kale salad, and suddenly everyone’s in awe over how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious. It’s moments like these that make cooking worthwhile.

I remember the first time I made this kale salad; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how they’d never tasted kale like this before.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Kale: Choose fresh, dark green leaves that feel firm to the touch; avoid wilted ones for the best crunch.

• Apples: Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweet contrast against the earthy kale.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty kick; soak in water briefly to mellow its sharpness.

• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide an irresistible crunch; watch them closely to prevent burning.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; feel free to substitute with goat cheese if preferred.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dressing; it enhances flavors beautifully.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.

• Honey: A touch of honey rounds out the dressing’s acidity with natural sweetness; adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Kale Salad with Apples

Prepare the Kale: Rinse the kale leaves under cold water and pat dry. Remove tough stems by holding the leaf’s base and stripping away from the stem. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Toss in Apples: Core and slice your chosen apples into thin wedges or cubes. Their crisp texture will provide a delightful contrast to the tender kale.

Add Onions and Nuts: Toss in thinly sliced red onions and toasted walnuts for an extra layer of flavor. The nuts should be golden brown but not burnt—keep an eye on them!

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This dressing will elevate all flavors in your salad.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, apples, onions, walnuts, and feta. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.

Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving; this allows flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by massaging the kale with olive oil and salt before adding other ingredients. This enhances its flavor and makes it tender.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch. Experiment with different cheeses too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but don’t add dressing until ready to eat.

Creating this kale salad with apples became a family tradition after my cousin declared it the “best salad ever.” Everyone now requests it at gatherings!

FAQ

Can I use frozen kale for this salad?

Frozen kale may not have the right texture; fresh is recommended for best results.

How do I keep my apples from browning?

Toss sliced apples in lemon juice before adding them to your salad to prevent browning.

What dressing pairs well with kale salad with apples?

A honey mustard vinaigrette complements the sweetness of apples perfectly!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Kale Salad with Apples

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Kale Salad with Apples is a refreshing dish that combines crisp kale and sweet apples, creating a delightful burst of flavors. Perfect for any gathering or as a healthy side dish, this salad is both visually appealing and easy to prepare. With the added crunch of walnuts and creamy feta, it’s sure to impress your guests while providing essential nutrients to fuel your day.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Massage the kale with olive oil and salt until tender.
2. Add sliced apples, red onion, and toasted walnuts to the kale.
3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving chilled or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg