Winter Kale Salad Dried Cranberries (Printable)
Tender kale, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts tossed in a zesty citrus dressing. A refreshing, healthy choice for any meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fresh Produce
01 - 8 cups curly or lacinato kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced
→ Dry Goods & Nuts
03 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
→ Optional Additions
05 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
→ For the Dressing
06 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
02 - Place the chopped kale into a large salad bowl. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the kale. Using your clean hands, gently massage the kale leaves for 1 to 2 minutes until they soften and their color deepens.
03 - Add the dried cranberries, toasted nuts (pecans or walnuts), and thinly sliced apple to the bowl with the massaged kale. Gently toss all ingredients together to distribute evenly.
04 - If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad. Drizzle with additional dressing to taste. Toss the salad once more to ensure all ingredients are coated.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired. Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It&s a secret weapon for brightening up the grayest winter day with a burst of fresh flavor.
- You&ll be amazed how quickly this comes together, yet it tastes like you spent ages on it.
02 -
- The kale massage isn&t just a suggestion; it&s the non-negotiable step that transforms tough leaves into a tender, enjoyable base.
- Resist the urge to dump all the dressing at once; start with half and add more just before serving to avoid a soggy salad.
03 -
- Always toast your nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant; it drastically enhances their flavor and crunch, making all the difference.
- When making the dressing, add the olive oil slowly while whisking vigorously for a more stable and creamy emulsification.