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.

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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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!
Kale Apple Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing
6
servings5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
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
Directions
- 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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