If you're on the hunt for a vibrant, nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and takes mere minutes to prepare, look no further than this Apple Dijon Kale Salad! Packed with crunchy walnuts, crisp apples, and a zesty Dijon dressing, this salad is not just a side dish—it's a celebration of fresh ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning addition to your next gathering, this recipe is your ticket to culinary delight. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water, removing any tough stems or debris.
- Pat the kale dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform sizing for even dressing distribution.
- Thinly slice the apple using a sharp knife, cutting into delicate, uniform pieces.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Place chopped kale in a large salad bowl and drizzle the prepared dressing over the leaves.
- Massage the dressing into the kale leaves using clean hands for 2-3 minutes to soften the kale and enhance flavor absorption.
- Add thinly sliced apples and chopped walnuts to the dressed kale.
- Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crisp salad with its tangy Dijon dressing.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Kale: Opt for vibrant, fresh kale leaves for the best flavor and texture. Lacinato (dinosaur) kale works wonderfully, but curly kale is also a great choice.
- Massage the Kale: Don’t skip the massaging step! This technique not only softens the kale but also helps it absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties! Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji will add a delightful contrast to the tangy dressing, while tart apples like Granny Smith can provide a refreshing zing.
- Add Extra Crunch: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other crunchy elements like celery, carrots, or even some toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the kale and apples in advance. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for any protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
