Kale Apple Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

This refreshing kale apple salad is vibrant, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion. With a balance of crisp apples, sweet pears, tangy cranberries, and toasted pecans, it offers a delightful crunch in every bite. The lemon-honey dressing complements the kale beautifully, giving it just the right touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the greens and fruits. This salad is perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a wholesome addition to any weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Servings: 6 as a side salad

For the Dressing:

• 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp honey (or substitute with sugar)
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

For the Salad:

• 1 bunch kale (about 8 cups loosely packed), rinsed
• 1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 crisp apple (such as Fuji), thinly sliced
• 1 firm pear, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pecans, toasted on a dry skillet

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the honey is dissolved and the dressing is well-combined. Set aside.
2. Prep the Kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly and strip the leaves from the stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and rinse again to remove any remaining grit. Dry thoroughly in a salad spinner or with a clean towel.
3. Massage the Kale: Place the kale in a large salad bowl, pour in half of the dressing, and massage the leaves gently for about 1-2 minutes, until they just start to soften and wilt. This process tenderizes the kale and makes it more flavorful.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the dried cranberries to the kale, mix well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend and the kale to soften further.
5. Before Serving: Just before serving, add the sliced apples, sliced pears, thinly sliced onions, and toasted pecans to the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss to combine.

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Tips for the Perfect Kale Apple Salad

• Massage the Kale: Massaging the kale with dressing not only makes it more tender but also helps to absorb the flavors better.
• Prepare in Advance: This salad is a great make-ahead dish! Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld, and the kale becomes even more flavorful.
• Keep Apples Fresh: To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
• Substitute Options: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor, or add goat cheese or feta for a creamy element.

This kale apple salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that will elevate any meal. Serve it as a side with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a wholesome, satisfying pairing!