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    The Best Kale Salad

    Salads Dairy-Free Recipes Gluten Free Kid Friendly Plant Based Recipes November 12, 2022 | By Kristen Chidsey | 20 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    This is the best recipe for Kale Salad! Made with a sweet and tangy dressing, fresh apples, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts, this simple recipe for kale salad is full of flavor, texture, and nutrients!

    This is the best recipe for Kale Salad! Made with a sweet and tangy dressing, fresh apples, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts, this simple recipe for kale salad is full of flavor, texture, and nutrients!

    Kale salad with apples, berries and nuts in bowl with pecans and apples in background.


    Kale has a reputation for being very tough and bitter. But there is a secret to preparing kale that will make your kale salads tender and full of delicious flavor.

    You need to massage and marinate the kale. If you THINK you don't like kale salads, chances are it hasn't been massaged!

    Massaging kale simply means rubbing the dressing into the kale leaves. This will help to break down the tough fibers of the kale leaves and allow the kale to absorb the flavors of the dressing.

    And let's take a minute to talk about the dressing for this Kale Salad. This recipe features a Maple Dijon Dressing that pairs beautifully with the strong, earthy flavor of the kale. The maple syrup and Dijon add flavor, the apple cider vinegar helps to break down the tough fibers in the kale and the olive oil adds a rich finish. It is perfection.

    While massaging the kale with the delicious dressing will make a world of difference in terms of flavor and texture to the salad, by adding sweet apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts, you will have a memorable Kale Salad that you will crave again, and again.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for kale salad labeled on counter.
    • Kale: You can use either curly kale or Lacinato Kale, which is also referred to as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale. Instead of purchasing a bunch of kale, you can also use bagged kale that has already been washed and stems removed.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar is key to adding acidity to the salad and apple cider vinegar is the best pair to the Dijon, apples, and maple syrup. However, feel free to use red wine vinegar in its place.
    • Olive Oil: Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
    • Maple Syrup: The maple syrup is a perfect pair with the Dijon and apples and gives the dressing a rich finish. However, you can use honey if you don't have maple syrup on hand.
    • Apples: Select a sweet, firm apple such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweet burst of fresh apple flavor. If you prefer tart apples, Granny Smith will work well in this Kale Apple Salad.
    • Nuts (optional): If you don't have a nut allergy, I strongly recommend adding toasted walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.
    • Blueberries (optional): I added blueberries to my Kale Apple Salad once simply because they needed to be used. And let me tell you, it was magic! The burst of fresh blueberry flavor was perfection against the tart cranberries and sweet apples. If they are seasonal and you have them on hand, use them. If not, omit them and your salad will still be delicious.

    How to Make Kale Salad

    • Remove the thick stem from each stalk of kale and discard.
    • Rib the kale into bite-sized pieces or roll the kale leaves up into ribbons and chop them into bite-size pieces.
    • Wash and dry the kale well. I recommend using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel to dry the kale well, as that will help the dressing adhere to the leaves, which is key to a good kale salad.
    Torn kale leaves in salad spinner next to ingredients for dressing.
    • Once washed and dry, place the kale into a large mixing bowl and set to the side.
    • In a small jar or bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, onion powder, and olive oil. Shake or whisk the dressing until the ingredients are emulsified.
    Side by side photo of maple dijon dressing in container before and after mixing it together.
    • Add half the dressing to the prepared kale and using your hands, rub the dressing all through the kale, massaging the kale for a minute or two to really work the dressing into the leaves.
    Side by side photo showing kale salad with maple dressing before and while massaging the dressing into the greens.
    • At this point, cover the dressed kale and remaining dressing, and refrigerate the kale for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days, giving the kale time to fully break down and become tender.
    • Before serving the salad, add the nuts to a dry skillet and toast over medium heat, tossing every 30 seconds until your nose smells the nuts. This should only take 2-3 minutes. You don't want to burn the nuts, so don't walk away from the skillet. I have made that mistake before.
    • Once you remove the nuts from the heat, chop the nuts, wash the blueberries if using, and wash and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
    • Add the apples, cranberries, nuts, and blueberries to the salad, tossing to coat.
    • Serve the salad with the remaining dressing on the side.
    Kale salad with apples, berries and nuts in bowl with pecans and apples in background.

    More Delicious Kale Recipes

    • Blueberry Smoothie
    • Tropical Kale Smoothie
    • Kale Pasta
    • Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana 

    If you enjoyed this recipe for Kale Salad, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Kale salad with apples, berries and nuts in bowl with pecans and apples in background.

    Kale Salad with Apples

    Made with a sweet and tangy dressing, fresh apples, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts, this simple recipe for kale salad is full of flavor, texture, and nutrients!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Chiling: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 17 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 132kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    Maple Dijon Dressing

    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ tablespoon maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

    Kale Salad

    • 1 head Lacinato kale
    • 1 medium sweet apple diced
    • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup blueberries optional
    • 2-3 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • For the dressing, whisk or shake the vinegar, maple syrup, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, and olive oil together until emulsified.
    • Remove the tough stem from the kale and chop or tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry the kale really well and then place the prepared kale into a large mixing bowl.
    • Add half the dressing to the prepared kale and using your hands, rub the dressing all through the kale, massaging the kale for a minute or two to really work the dressing into the leaves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the kale tenderize and become flavorful from the dressing.
    • If your nuts are not toasted, add the nuts to a dry skillet and toast over medium heat, tossing every 30 seconds until your nose smells the nuts. This should only take 2-3 minutes. Remove the nuts from the heat, cool them slightly, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
    • Before serving the kale salad, add the diced apples, dried cranberries, blueberries if using, and nuts and toss to distribute. Serve the kale salad immediately with the additional dressing on the side.

    Notes

    Kale: You can use either curly kale or Lacinato Kale, which is also referred to as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale.
    Apple: Use a sweet, non-mealy apple such as a Honey Crisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Fuji apple.
    Maple Syrup: Feel free to replace it with honey if you don't have maple syrup on hand.
    Topping Options: Top this salad with any dried or fresh fruit you like. This salad is also delicious with chunks of cheddar cheese as well.
    Storage: Store the marinated kale in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results, do not add the apples and nuts until right before serving.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally shared in 2018 but updated in 2022 with new photos.

    « Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
    Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Jen

      December 02, 2022 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      So so good & so refreshing!!

      Reply
    2. Katie

      November 18, 2022 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a feel-good salad. I love the pop of flavor from the apples!

      Reply
    3. Kelly

      September 26, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never considered myself a huge fan of kale, but this salad is amazing! In an effort to add more greens into my diet I’ve been making this weekly.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 26, 2020 at 6:15 pm

        I love hearing that Kelly! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    4. Fay

      July 29, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times lately and the family loves it. Plus so so easy to prepare.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 29, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        I love hearing you all enjoy your veggies this way 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

        Reply
    5. Allison Martin

      July 27, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      The dressing made the whole salad! So easy and fresh.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 27, 2020 at 1:21 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed Allison!

        Reply
    6. Whitney Bond

      April 07, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      I'm totally one of those people that loves kale!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 09, 2017 at 2:10 pm

        Your my kind of gal!

        Reply
      • Sharina

        November 28, 2022 at 7:37 pm

        5 stars
        Not a fan of Kale salad, but this one's different! I like it. It tasted so good and so satisfying! Would love to have this again. Highly recommended!

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          November 28, 2022 at 7:39 pm

          I LOVE hearing you enjoyed this kale salad! Massaging the leaves really makes a huge difference.

          Reply
    7. Megan @ MegUnprocessed

      April 07, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      I love this kind of recipes – looks so fresh and delicious!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 09, 2017 at 2:10 pm

        Fresh and delicious is right!

        Reply
    8. mira

      April 07, 2017 at 11:57 am

      This salad looks amazing! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 07, 2017 at 11:59 am

        Thanks so much Mira!

        Reply
    9. Lane and Holly (With Two Spoons)

      April 06, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      Maybe I need to massage my kale more! I've grown it for the last few years, and I can never find enough things to do with it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 07, 2017 at 7:51 am

        Massaging it adds so much flavor! I love to add it to eggs, soups, and make pesto from kale as well.

        Reply
    10. Susan Conley

      April 04, 2017 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      wow... I've never thought of this combination!!! I'll definitely try this!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 05, 2017 at 7:41 am

        I hope you enjoy it--it is one of my favorites!

        Reply

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    This is the best recipe for Kale Salad! Made with a sweet and tangy dressing, fresh apples, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts, this simple recipe for kale salad is full of flavor, texture, and nutrients!

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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