Winter Kale Salad with Apple and Cheddar (Print)

Hearty salad combining tender kale, crisp apples, sharp cheddar, and toasted pecans for a perfect winter bite.

# What You Need:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Fruit & Cheese

04 - 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
05 - 3.5 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or thin shavings

→ Crunch

06 - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns darker green.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Add the sliced apples, cheddar cheese, and toasted pecans to the massaged kale in the large bowl.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or allow to rest for 10 minutes to let flavors meld together.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the tender kale, crisp apple, and sharp cheddar creates this perfect harmony that makes you forget youre eating something so healthy.
  • It actually gets better if it sits for a few minutes, making it my go-to for bringing to potlucks where Im always asked for the recipe.
02 -
  • Properly massaging the kale isnt optional, its the difference between a tough, bitter mouthful and a tender, sweet bite that even kale skeptics will enjoy.
  • Slice your apples at the very last minute to prevent browning, or toss them in a bit of lemon juice if preparing ahead of time.
03 -
  • Tear kale leaves from their stems rather than cutting them, as this prevents those tough woody bits from sneaking into your salad.
  • If your apples aren't quite as crisp as you'd like, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad for renewed crunch.

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