Winter Kale Apple Cheddar (Printable Version)
A crisp mix of kale, apple, sharp cheddar, and toasted nuts for fresh winter flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables & Fruits
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and chopped
02 - 2 medium crisp apples, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
→ Cheese
04 - 3.5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shaved
→ Nuts & Seeds
05 - ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (gluten-free if required)
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Massage gently with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Add the sliced apples, red onion, cheddar cheese, and toasted nuts to the bowl with kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or allow to rest for 10 minutes for flavors to develop.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- Kale becomes tender and almost sweet once you massage it, so you're not chewing through anything tough.
- The sharpness of the cheddar plays perfectly against the crisp apple, creating this push-pull of flavors.
- It actually gets better if you let it sit for a few minutes, so it's perfect for meal prep or bringing to a potluck.
- Takes fifteen minutes tops, which means you can make it on a random Tuesday without thinking twice.
02 -
- Don't dress this salad more than thirty minutes before eating, or the kale will turn darker and softer—which some people like, but it loses its crispness.
- The massage step isn't optional; it's the difference between a salad you eat because you should and one you actually want.
03 -
- If your kale seems particularly tough, massage it for an extra minute and don't feel self-conscious about it—you're doing it right.
- Make the dressing in a mason jar and shake it; it stays emulsified longer and you can save the jar for the next batch.