Are you ready to transform your boring salad routine into a culinary masterpiece? Get ready to fall in love with the most addictive salad you've ever tasted! Our Kale Crunch Salad with Apple Cider Dijon Dressing is not just a meal—it's a flavor adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Packed with nutrient-rich kale, crunchy walnuts, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy dressing that will make you forget all about boring health foods, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the kale. Rinse the 4 cups of kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and use a salad spinner if available. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss the ingredients together gently to mix them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the kale mixture in the large bowl. Use tongs or salad servers to toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Divide the salad into four servings and enjoy your Kale Crunch Salad with Apple Cider Dijon Dressing!
Tips
- Massage the kale: To make the kale more tender and less bitter, spend a minute massaging the chopped leaves with a bit of olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Toast the walnuts: For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad actually gets better as it sits, so don't be afraid to prepare it in advance. The dressing will help soften the kale and blend the flavors.
- Customize your protein: Want to make this a full meal? Add grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu to turn it into a hearty lunch or dinner option.
- Dressing hack: Make extra dressing and store it in the refrigerator. It's perfect for quick salads throughout the week and stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
