Harvest Apple Kale Salad

$- 4 cups kale, chopped - 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients to create a vibrant Harvest Apple Kale Salad. Each part plays a key role. The kale gives a hearty base. Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Dried cranberries bring a burst of flavor. Feta cheese adds creaminess, while red onion gives a sharp bite. The dressing is simple yet effective. Olive oil adds richness. Apple cider vinegar brings acidity. The maple syrup balances with its sweetness. Salt and pepper help tie all the flavors together. Keep these ingredients on hand for a fresh, nutritious salad. The blend creates a colorful dish that tastes as good as it looks. It’s perfect for lunch or a side at dinner. Start with the kale. Remove the tough stems. Use your hands to tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat. Next, massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes. This softens the leaves. It also makes the kale taste better. You will feel it get tender. In a large mixing bowl, add the massaged kale. Now, add the diced apple, walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and sliced red onion. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to crush the feta. The goal is to combine all ingredients without breaking them apart. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix well. This dressing ties the salad together. Pour the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently again to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Using seasonal ingredients makes this salad shine. When you pick the right apple, you boost flavor. I love Honeycrisp and Fuji apples for their crunch and sweetness. They add a lovely contrast to the earthy kale. You can switch up the vinegar in the dressing. Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar works well too. For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or a pinch of cayenne. These small changes can bring a new twist to the salad. Serving this salad in a large bowl makes it easy to share. You can also use individual plates for a fancy touch. Garnish with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of feta on top. It adds color and makes the dish look more appetizing. {{image_2}} You can boost your Harvest Apple Kale Salad by adding protein. Grilled chicken works great. It adds a savory taste and makes the salad filling. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chickpeas. They add a nutty flavor and extra texture. - Grilled chicken, diced - Chickpeas, canned and rinsed This salad is flexible with the seasons. You can add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for warmth. They bring a nice sweetness and depth. You can also switch up the fruits. Try pears or pomegranates for a fun twist. - Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots - Diced pears or pomegranate seeds The dressing can change the salad’s vibe. For a creamy option, mix in Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream. This adds richness. If you want it sweeter, use honey instead of maple syrup. It gives a different taste and pairs well with apples. - Greek yogurt or sour cream - Honey as an alternative sweetener To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. If you mix the dressing in, the kale can get soggy. I recommend keeping the dressing separate. You can add it just before eating. Keep your ingredients fresh by storing them properly. Store kale in a damp paper towel. Place it in a plastic bag in the fridge. Apples can stay fresh for weeks. Keep them in the crisper drawer. Walnuts should stay in a cool place, away from light. A sealed jar works well for them. The salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the kale may wilt and lose flavor. Check for signs of spoilage. If the kale turns brown or mushy, it’s time to toss it. The apples may also brown, but a little lemon juice can help. If you see mold or a bad smell, don’t eat it. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can. To make this salad ahead, keep the dressing separate. Mix the kale, apple, walnuts, cranberries, feta, and onion in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, add the dressing. This keeps the kale fresh and crunchy. For this salad, I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, adding a delightful crunch. Fuji apples are juicy and have a nice balance of sweet and tart. Both types work well and enhance the salad's flavor. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can add mashed avocado for creaminess. For the honey, use agave syrup or maple syrup instead. These swaps keep the salad tasty and plant-based. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients, like kale, apples, and nuts, are safe for a gluten-free diet. Just double-check any packaged items, like the dressing, to ensure they are free from gluten. Enjoy this healthy meal worry-free! This salad is fresh, vibrant, and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can customize it for any season or preference. Whether you want to add protein or change up the dressing, the options are endless. Store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Use this recipe to make a healthy addition to your meals. Now, go ahead and create your own delicious version. You'll love how it tastes and feels!$

Enjoy the delicious flavors of fall with this Harvest Apple Kale Salad! Packed with nutritious kale, crunchy apples, and a sweet maple dressing, this salad is the perfect blend of taste and health. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a vibrant dish that's great for any occasion. Click to explore this easy recipe and delight your taste buds with seasonal goodness!

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Ingredients

4 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)

1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced

1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, add the chopped kale. With clean hands, massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.

Add the diced apple, walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion to the bowl with the kale.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined to make the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.

Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl or individual plates, garnishing with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of feta on top for added visual appeal.