Kale Salad With Apples and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Introduction
This kale salad with apples and toasted almonds is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any season. Packed with crunchy textures and bright flavors, it makes a wonderful side or light meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large bunches of kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, orange juice, and minced shallot. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, thinly sliced apple, dried cherries, and toasted sliced almonds. Toss everything together to mix well.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Massage the kale with a little salt and olive oil before adding the other ingredients to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
- Try substituting dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for a different sweetness.
- Swap the feta for goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.
- Add a handful of cooked quinoa or farro to turn the salad into a more filling meal.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving to prevent the kale from becoming soggy.
What type of kale works best for this salad?
Curly kale or Lacinato (dino) kale both work well. Make sure to remove the tough ribs and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
PrintKale Salad With Apples and Toasted Almonds Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious kale salad featuring fresh apples, dried cherries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty orange and red wine vinegar dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 large bunches of kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and minced shallot. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Toss the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roughly chopped kale, thinly sliced apple, dried cherries, and toasted sliced almonds. Mix these ingredients gently to evenly distribute the components throughout the bowl.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure the salad is evenly coated. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top to add a creamy, tangy finish.
Notes
- To soften kale and reduce bitterness, massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt before adding the other ingredients.
- Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added.
- Use fresh seasonal apples for best flavor; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
- Toast almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor.
Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, toasted almonds, feta cheese, healthy salad, no-cook salad, vegetarian salad, dried cherries
