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Kale Salad with Apples

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A fresh and vibrant kale salad with crisp apples, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and shaved Pecorino Romano, tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing for a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 cups kale, stems removed and finely chopped
  • 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (for massaging kale)
  • 2 small apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
  • 1/3 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely shaved
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse kale, remove tough stems, and chop finely. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons olive oil over kale with a pinch of salt. Massage leaves 1–2 minutes until softened and darker green.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth for the dressing.
  4. Add chopped apples, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and shaved Pecorino Romano to the massaged kale.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Serve immediately or let rest 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

  • Add protein with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted chickpeas.
  • Substitute pears, pomegranate arils, orange segments, or fresh strawberries for apples.
  • Swap nuts with walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
  • Use Parmesan, Asiago, or crumbled feta instead of Pecorino Romano for variation.
  • Make a grain bowl by adding 1 cup cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Keep apples and almonds separate until serving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/kale-salad-with-apples/