Shaved Kale Apple Almond Salad (Printable)
Tender kale, crisp apples, toasted almonds and maple vinaigrette combine for a bright, crunchy lunch or side.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Salad Base
01 - 6 cups kale leaves, stems removed, finely shredded
02 - 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
03 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds
04 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries
05 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
06 - 2 tablespoons red onion, finely sliced
→ Maple Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
09 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
02 - Add shredded kale to a large salad bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
03 - Add sliced apple, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese if using, and red onion to the bowl with the kale.
04 - In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Pour the maple dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to combine.
06 - Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You can make it ahead, and honestly, it tastes even better after a quick chill as the flavors meld together.
- The combo of sweet, crunchy, tangy, and creamy is my secret weapon for getting people obsessed with kale salads.
02 -
- Once I rushed the almond toasting and ended up with bitter, burnt nuts—low and slow is key.
- Letting the kale sit in dressing softens it even more and somehow brings out extra sweetness in the apple.
03 -
- Always toast the nuts and shake the dressing in a jar for best texture and flavor combo.
- If your apples aren’t super crisp, soak them in ice water for five minutes right before adding them for max crunch.