Kale Apple Salad Recipe

Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this apple salad with kale is not only tasty but also incredibly healthy.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Jump to:

• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How To Make Apple Salad
• Serving Suggestions
• Kale Apple Salad Recipe

Salads are a fantastic way to incorporate fresh, nutritious ingredients into your diet, and this apple and kale salad is a perfect combination of crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

The natural crunch and juiciness of apples perfectly complement the slightly bitter taste of kale, making them a fantastic pairing for a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dressing Ingredients:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil.
• Apple Cider Vinegar because it brings the whole salad together.
• Honey or maple syrup to balance the bitterness and sourness.
• Dijon Mustard, Salt, and Pepper

Salad Ingredients:

• Kale (destemmed and chopped) or use baby spinach.
• Honey Crisp and Granny Smith, for the sweet and tangy flavour. You can use any other variety of apples also. Tartness of green apple perfectly compliments the sweet apples.
• Red Onion for a hint of spiciness and savoury flavour.
• Dried Cranberries or raisins for the texture and natural sweetness.
• Nuts: Use either toasted walnuts, pecan nuts, or almonds. You can add flax or pumpkin seeds for the extra nutrition.
• Feta or Goat Cheese but its optional.

How To Make Apple Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

• Start by washing the kale thoroughly under cold water.
• Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• To soften the kale and remove its natural bitterness, massage it with a drizzle of olive oil or half of the dressing for about 1 – 2 minutes. This helps break down the tough fibres, making the kale more tender and easier to digest.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
• Shake or whisk until the dressing is well combined and has a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts/Seeds

• Toasting the nuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad.
• Heat a pan over medium heat, add the nuts or seeds, and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Once they are fragrant and slightly golden, remove them from the heat and let them cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, combine the massaged kale, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and onions.
• Drizzle the dressing over the apple salad and toss everything together until well coated.
• Crumble the feta cheese on top and sprinkle seeds/nuts.
• Let the apple salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu/paneer for a protein-packed meal.
• Serve apple salad as a side dish for a holiday gathering or family dinner.
• Add cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier, more filling salad.