Kale Salad With Apples and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Introduction
This kale salad with apples and toasted almonds is a fresh and satisfying dish that balances crisp greens with sweet and tangy flavors. It’s perfect as a healthy lunch or a vibrant side for dinner.
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 the 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 almonds. Toss to mix evenly.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients. Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Massage the kale with a little salt before adding dressing to soften its texture and enhance flavor.
- Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for a different sweet note.
- Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a richer crunch.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the kale from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, toss the salad again and add feta before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but to keep the kale crisp, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. This prevents the kale from wilting and maintains freshness.
What type of apple works best in this salad?
Crunchy and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to balance the sweetness of the dried cherries and the richness of the dressing.
Print
Kale Salad With Apples and Toasted Almonds Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and nutritious Kale Salad with crisp apples, dried cherries, toasted almonds, and tangy feta cheese, dressed with a zesty blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, orange juice, and minced shallots. This salad balances fresh, sweet, and savory flavors perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
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
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and minced shallots. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, combining until the dressing is smooth and well-emulsified.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the roughly chopped kale, thinly sliced apple, dried cherries, and toasted sliced almonds, ensuring an even mix of all ingredients.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese just before serving for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Notes
- Massage the kale with a small amount of dressing before adding the other ingredients to soften its texture, if desired.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain crispness and add a tart or sweet note.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator without dressing for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan version, omit feta or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, toasted almonds, dried cherries, feta cheese, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, no-cook salad
