Winter Kale Salad with Apple (Print View)
Hearty kale mixed with crisp apples and sharp cheddar, topped with nuts and a tangy dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Greens
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn or chopped
→ Fruits & Cheese
02 - 1 large crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or thin slices
→ Nuts & Seeds
04 - 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Add-Ins
12 - 1 small shallot, finely minced
13 - 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
# How to Make:
01 - Place kale leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 1–2 minutes until they soften and darken in color.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Add sliced apples, cheddar cheese, toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds (if using), and cranberries (if using) to the massaged kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, or let sit for 10–15 minutes for flavors to meld.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The kale goes tender and silky when you massage it, so there's no tough, bitter bite—just pure green goodness.
- Sharp cheddar and crisp apples create this perfect tension between salty and sweet that makes every bite interesting.
- It takes 20 minutes from bowl to table, which means you can have something nutritious on the table without feeling like you spent hours in the kitchen.
02 -
- Don't skip the kale massage; it's not extra work, it's the difference between a salad that tastes vibrant and one that tastes raw and tough.
- If you make this ahead, dress it just before serving or the apples will brown and the kale will get soggy—the timing matters more than you'd think.
03 -
- Massage your kale with oil and salt before adding anything else; this step is non-negotiable and makes every other ingredient shine.
- Make the dressing in the same bowl you'll use for the salad to save a dish and let the flavors mingle from the start.