Winter Kale Salad with Apple and Cheddar (Printable)
Hearty salad with tender kale, crisp apples, sharp cheddar, and toasted pecans. Prepared fresh in just 20 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Greens
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Fruit & Cheese
04 - 2 medium crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala, cored and thinly sliced
05 - 3.5 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or thin shavings
→ Crunch
06 - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
→ Dressing
07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns darker green.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and black pepper.
03 - Add the sliced apples, cheddar cheese, and toasted pecans to the massaged kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The massage technique transforms tough kale into silky, tender leaves that even kale skeptics will appreciate.
- The sweet-tart apple pieces against the sharp cheddar create this perfect balance that keeps you coming back for another forkful.
02 -
- Massaging the kale isnt optional it transforms the texture from tough and fibrous to silky and tender, completely changing the eating experience.
- The salad actually improves after sitting for about 10 minutes, as the acid in the dressing further softens the kale while the apples and pecans maintain their crunch.
03 -
- Slice the apple as thinly as possible it distributes the sweetness more evenly and creates a more pleasant textural contrast with the kale.
- If making ahead, keep the apples from browning by tossing them in a teaspoon of lemon juice before adding to the salad.