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Easy Kale Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 48 reviews

This easy kale salad combines fresh, crisp kale with crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, and tart apple for a refreshing and nutritious dish. Tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette and massaged for tenderness, this salad is perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or a flavorful side.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salad

  • ½ lb. chopped kale (about one bunch, $1.24)
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple ($0.90)
  • ½ cup walnut halves (50g, $1.25)
  • ¼ cup raisins (35g, $0.47)

Dressing

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (60ml, $0.15)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (½ tsp, $0.07)
  • 1½ Tbsp Dijon mustard ($0.09)
  • ¼ tsp salt ($0.01)
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.04)
  • ⅓ cup olive oil (79ml, $1.00)
  • 1 lemon (optional, $0.68)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all salad and dressing ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process.
  2. Prep the Kale: Remove and discard the thick stems from the kale leaves. Chop or tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water and dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to prevent sogginess.
  3. Prep the Add-ins: Chop the Granny Smith apple into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, squeeze lemon juice over the cut apple and toss gently. This step is optional but recommended especially if preparing in advance.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk until well blended. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Alternatively, blend all the dressing ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Massage the Kale: Place the kale in a large bowl. Pour half of the prepared dressing over the kale. Using clean hands, gently massage the dressing into the leaves for 1 to 3 minutes. This softens the kale and enhances flavor absorption, turning the leaves glossy and tender.
  6. Toss the Salad: Add the walnut halves, chopped apple, and raisins to the massaged kale. Toss everything together until ingredients are evenly combined.
  7. Taste and Serve: Sample the salad and add more vinaigrette if desired, up to the entire batch. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Massaging the kale is key to softening its texture and making it more palatable.
  • Lemon juice on the apple helps prevent browning and keeps the fruit fresh-looking.
  • You can blend the dressing ingredients for a smoother texture if preferred.
  • Salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/easy-kale-salad-recipe/