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Fresh Harvest Apple Walnut Kale Salad Easy Recipe with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

fresh harvest apple walnut kale salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and hearty kale with a tangy and sweet maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a wholesome, flavorful meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch kale (about 8 cups chopped), preferably curly kale
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse kale leaves thoroughly under cold water, pat dry or use a salad spinner. Strip leaves from stems and chop into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt over kale. Massage leaves gently with hands for 2-3 minutes until softened and darkened.
  3. Toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Core and thinly slice apples. Thinly slice red onion. Add both to the kale bowl.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  6. Pour vinaigrette over kale mixture. Add toasted walnuts and dried cranberries if using. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more vinegar if desired. Let salad rest 5-10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

Massage kale with olive oil and salt to soften leaves and reduce bitterness. Toast walnuts just before adding to enhance flavor. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid soggy kale. Dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, apple walnut salad, maple Dijon vinaigrette, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, fall salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/fresh-harvest-apple-walnut-kale-salad-easy-recipe-with-maple-dijon-vinaigrette/