Winter Kale Salad Apple Cheddar (Printable)
Tender kale meets crisp apple and sharp cheddar in a hearty winter bowl with maple-Dijon dressing and toasted nuts.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables & Fruits
01 - 1 large bunch kale (about 7 ounces), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 lemon, juiced
→ Cheese & Nuts
05 - 3.5 ounces sharp white cheddar, cut into small cubes or thin strips
06 - 2 ounces toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional
13 - 1.5 ounces dried cranberries or cherries
# Steps:
01 - Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 1–2 minutes until they soften and turn a darker green.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Add the sliced apple, red onion, cheddar cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (if using) to the kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The maple Dijon dressing strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making you actually forget you're eating kale
- It holds up beautifully for hours, making it ideal for meal prep or bringing to winter gatherings
02 -
- Skip the massaging step and you'll end up with tough, bitter kale that makes the whole salad unpleasant to eat
- Always slice your apples as thinly as possible so they integrate rather than dominate each bite
03 -
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them, which intensifies their flavor significantly
- If making ahead, dress the kale and add the apples just before serving to prevent them from oxidizing