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Close-up of kale apple balsamic salad with crisp apple sticks, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta in a tangy vinaigrette.

Kale Apple Balsamic Salad

This Kale Apple Balsamic Salad is crunchy, sweet, and tangy — a refreshing mix of kale, apples, walnuts, and cranberries tossed in a maple-balsamic vinaigrette. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner side.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: brunch, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large bunch curly kale about 6 cups, chopped
  • 2 apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup walnuts or pecans toasted
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese optional
For the Maple-Balsamic Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 –2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep Kale: Wash, dry, and chop kale. Remove thick stems.
  2. Massage: Add 1 tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage for 1 minute until soft and dark green.
  3. Make Dressing: Whisk olive oil, balsamic, Dijon, maple syrup, lemon, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble: Add kale, apple slices, walnuts, cranberries, and cheese to a bowl.
  5. Dress & Toss: Pour dressing and toss well. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes.