Apple Walnut Kale Salad
Apple walnut kale salad is crisp, fresh, and packed with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dressing, perfect for a healthy fall side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large bunch kale stems removed and leaves chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for massaging the kale
- 1 crisp apple Honeycrisp or Fuji, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 –3 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Maple Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the kale
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1–2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken in color.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
- Add the sliced apple, walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese to the massaged kale. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the top and toss everything gently to combine.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and enjoy immediately. If you’re not serving it right away, wait to add the dressing and goat cheese until just before serving to keep the salad fresh.