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Kale Apple Salad Recipe

Kale Apple Salad Recipe: Fall’s Nutty, Sweet Delight

Discover a vibrant Kale Apple Salad recipe featuring crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, topped with a zesty honey lemon dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Use lime juice as a substitute for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Can be replaced with avocado oil.
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar) Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste or omit for low-sodium diets.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper White pepper can be used for a subtler flavor.
Salad
  • 8 cups kale Well rinsed; substitute with baby kale or spinach.
  • 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries) Can replace with raisins or dried cherries.
  • 1 small red onion Thinly sliced; use green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 medium apple Crisp Fuji recommended; any firm apple variety works.
  • 1 medium pear Firm; substitute with additional apple or quince.
  • 1/2 cup pecans Toasted on a dry skillet; walnuts or almonds can be used.

Equipment

  • Medium-sized measuring cup
  • salad spinner
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized measuring cup. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved.
  2. Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water, strip leaves from the stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Dry the kale using a salad spinner.
  3. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl, add the craisins, and drizzle half of the dressing over. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it softens and wilts slightly.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor.
  5. Before serving, add the red onion, apple, pear, and toasted pecans to the kale. Drizzle the remaining dressing over and toss gently until combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This Kale Apple Salad is gluten-free, nutritious, and perfect for gatherings. It can be made ahead of time; just keep the nuts separate until serving to maintain their crunch.

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