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Best Crispy Harvest Kale Salad with Apples and Pecans

crispy harvest kale salad - featured image
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This crispy harvest kale salad with apples, pecans, and maple vinaigrette is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 20 minutes. Massaging the kale transforms it from tough to silky, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8–10 ounces), stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pecans: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecan halves in a single layer. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Make the maple vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified, or shake in a jar for about 20 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Prep the kale: Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl. Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the kale and massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften and darken in color.
  4. Assemble the salad: Add sliced apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and Parmesan (if using) to the massaged kale. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Serve immediately or let rest for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld. If serving later, add pecans just before serving to maintain crunch.

Notes

Don’t skip massaging the kale—it’s the most important step for tender leaves. Toast pecans until fragrant but watch closely to avoid burning. For best results, dry kale thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. The salad can be made ahead by storing massaged kale and dressing separately; add crunchy toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, harvest salad, apple pecan salad, maple vinaigrette, fall salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-crispy-harvest-kale-salad-with-apples-and-pecans/