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Fall Harvest Kale Salad

Fall Harvest Kale Salad
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Fall Harvest Kale Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining hearty kale, crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a balanced maple and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for cozy autumn meals, this colorful salad brings the essence of fall to your table with a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups kale leaves, washed, stems removed, chopped
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the thick stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt for a few minutes to soften its texture and bring out its natural flavor.
  2. Chop the Fruits and Veggies: Dice the apples and shred the carrots. Prepare any additional fruits or vegetables you want to include for extra texture and freshness.
  3. Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove and let cool.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss the massaged kale, chopped apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to coat every bite evenly. Serve immediately or refrigerate undressed until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Massage the kale to soften leaves and reduce bitterness for better texture and flavor.
  • Use fresh, crisp apples and high-quality nuts for optimal taste and crunch.
  • Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing to your preference for a balanced flavor.
  • Prepare ingredients ahead but dress salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
  • Customize texture by adding crunchy croutons or seeds if desired.
  • For nut-free version, substitute nuts with toasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Vegan option: omit cheese or replace with plant-based alternatives.
  • Add cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.
  • Boost protein with roasted chicken or chickpeas.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for an extra autumn touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fall salad, kale salad, autumn recipe, healthy salad, gluten free, seasonal fruits, festive salad

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/fall-harvest-kale-salad/