Kale and apples are a popular combination for fall and winter salads and this classic duo gets even better with the addition of creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts. A simple homemade maple dijon vinaigrette make this salad something special. Perfect as a light lunch or as part of a holiday dinner my Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is easy to make and delicious.
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Packed with nutrients kale is a powerhouse when it comes to greens. To tame it’s signature hearty texture it’s best to massage the kale with a dressing, which involves kneading the kale for a minute or two to break down the fiberous leaves. This results in a softer, more tender salad that still retains a toothsome bite. This is also a great salad to make ahead (even up to a day or two) as the dressing continues to tenderize the kale adding more flavor (For more great kale recipes take a look at my sauteed kale and mushrooms and Tuscan kale and white bean soup).
Ingredients
For the Maple Dijon Viniagrette
- apple cider vinegar
- maple syrup
- dijon mustard
- olive oil
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
For the Kale and Apple Salad
- kale (curly or lacinato kale)
- apple
- walnuts
- goat cheese
How to Make Kale and Apple Salad
Add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, pepper and olive oil to a mason jar and shake well to combine. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the rest of the salad. Alternatively you can add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt and pepper to a small bowl and whisk in the the olive oil until well combined.
While I used lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale), you can also use curly kale. With a sharp knife cut the kale into thin shreds.Place the shredded kale in a large bowl and add in half of the dressing. Using your hands massage the kale with the dressing for at least 1-2 minutes or until the kale has softened.
Add in the sliced apples, walnuts and crumbled goat cheese and drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve as desired.
If you like this salad be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecans
Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Honey-Balsamic Viniagrette
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta
Mustard Dill Potato Salad with Capers
If you make this Kale and Apple Cider with Maple Dijon Viniagrette please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Maple Dijon Viniagrette
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Kale and Apple Salad
- 4 cups kale curly or lacinato kale
- 1 medium apple sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 oz goat cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, pepper and olive oil to a mason jar and shake well to combine. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the rest of the salad. Alternatively you can add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt and pepper to a small bowl and whisk in the the olive oil until well combined.
- Place the shredded kale in a large bowl and add in half of the dressing. Using your hands massage the kale with the dressing for at least 1-2 minutes or until the kale has softened.
- Add in the sliced apples, walnuts and crumbled goat cheese and drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve as desired.
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Brianna Simmons says
My favorite kale salad recipe!