Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with a mouthwatering Apple Kale Salad that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another boring green dish – it's a symphony of crisp kale, juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor enthusiasts alike, this recipe proves that nutritious eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly under cool running water, removing any tough stems or debris.
- Pat the kale dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even distribution.
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent apple slices.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chopped walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped kale and drizzle half of the vinaigrette over the leaves.
- Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes to soften the leaves and help them absorb the dressing.
- Add the thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese to the kale.
- Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crisp, and tangy salad.
Tips
- Massage Your Kale: The secret to a phenomenal kale salad is massaging the leaves. This breaks down the tough fibers, making them more tender and easier to eat.
- Toast Nuts Carefully: When toasting walnuts, watch them closely. They can burn quickly, so keep stirring and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Let Flavors Mingle: Allowing the salad to rest for 5 minutes before serving lets the vinaigrette penetrate the ingredients, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use crisp, fresh kale and firm, sweet apples for the best texture and taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese or add dried cranberries for extra sweetness if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
