Imagine a salad so vibrant, nutritious, and bursting with flavor that it turns even the most dedicated salad-skeptic into a green-loving enthusiast! This Crunchy Winter Kale Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines the hearty textures of kale, Brussels sprouts, and carrots with a tantalizing dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and those looking to add a nutritious punch to their winter meals, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even texture.
- Shred the Brussels sprouts thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, creating delicate, thin slices that will mix well with the kale.
- Peel and shred the carrots using a box grater or julienne peeler, creating thin, matchstick-like strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, and shredded carrots.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and massage the dressing into the kale and vegetables with clean hands for 2-3 minutes, which helps soften the kale and distribute flavors.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to slightly soften.
- Just before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds and dried cranberries over the salad for added crunch and sweetness.
- Toss gently to distribute the nuts and cranberries evenly, and serve immediately at room temperature.
Tips
- Massaging the kale is crucial – this technique helps break down the tough fibers and makes the leaves more tender and easier to eat.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the ingredients to marinate and blend.
- Use fresh, crisp kale for the best texture and remove all tough stems to ensure a pleasant eating experience.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding for an extra layer of nutty flavor and enhanced crunch.
- If you prefer a softer salad, you can briefly massage the kale with a bit of salt to help it break down more quickly.
- Feel free to customize by adding other winter vegetables like thinly sliced red cabbage or roasted butternut squash cubes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but add nuts just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
