Green Kale Apple Walnuts (Printable)

Crisp kale and sweet apples combine with toasted walnuts and maple-Dijon dressing for a nutrient-packed side or light lunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large bunch green kale (about 7 ounces), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
04 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ 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 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it softens and darkens in color.
02 - Add the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries (if using), red onion, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl with the kale.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture transformation is genuinely magical watching tough kale turn into something you actually want to eat
  • Its one of those rare salads that actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle
  • You can throw it together in fifteen minutes but it looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
  • Skip the massaging step and you will be chewing on tough, bitter greens for minutes
  • Letting dressed kale sit for ten minutes before serving actually improves the texture
  • Sliced apples will oxidize slightly but the dressing prevents full browning
03 -
  • Dry your kale thoroughly after washing or the dressing will slide right off
  • Warm the maple syrup for ten seconds in the microwave if it has crystallized

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