Need a fresh and vibrant salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Kale Apple Salad with Pomegranates is just what you’re looking for! With crisp kale, tart Granny Smith apples, juicy pomegranate arils, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Tossed with a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish. Enjoy!
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Salad
- Nutrient-Packed: This Kale Apple salad recipe is loaded with superfoods like kale, green apple, and pomegranate arils, making it a nutritious and delicious choice.
- Sweet and Crunchy: The combination of dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy feta adds a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy textures.
- Flavorful Dressing: The maple Dijon vinaigrette, with its blend of cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, ties the kale apple salad together with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Recipe Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Chopped Kale, washed: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a robust texture to the kale apple salad.
- Green Apple (Granny Smith): Adds a crisp, tart, and slightly sweet flavor, balancing the bitterness of the kale.
- Pomegranate Arils: These ruby-red seeds add a burst of juicy sweetness and a bit of crunch, along with a vibrant color.
- Dried Cranberries: Contribute a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Pecans, toasted: Provide a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
- Feta: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory elements of the salad.
- Green Onions: Offer a mild onion flavor and a touch of color, adding a subtle sharpness to the kale apple salad.
Dressing Ingredients
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that forms the base of the vinaigrette.
- Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth consistency.
- Lemon Juice: Freshens the vinaigrette with a bright, citrusy acidity.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dressing, balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral base that helps to blend all the ingredients together into a smooth vinaigrette.
How To Make Kale Apple Salad
Step One: Remove the kale stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl. Core the green apple, slice it thinly, and cut into matchsticks or cubes for texture. Add the apple to the bowl. Sprinkle pomegranate arils over the kale and apple for color and sweetness. Add dried cranberries for a chewy, sweet-tart touch.
Step Two: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned. Let them cool, then chop and add to the salad for a nutty crunch. Crumble feta cheese over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast. Thinly slice the green onions and scatter them for a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
Step Three: Combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well to create your salad dressing.
Step Four: Drizzle the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips For Making Kale Salad Taste Great
- Kale Medley Magic: Blend different kale varieties like baby kale and curly kale along with fresh apples, and sprinkle sunflower seeds for vibrant kale salad recipes.
- Massage Kale for Texture: Before roasting, massaging the kale with olive oil helps to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. This simple step enhances the texture of the kale, making it more enjoyable to eat.
What Else Can I Add To This Kale Salad?
- Citrus Infusion: Incorporate segments of orange or grapefruit into a kale and apple salad for a refreshing citrus kick. Pair with a light apple cider vinaigrette for a zesty finish.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle crumbled feta, grated Parmesan or goat cheese on top for a creamy and salty contrast.
- Herbaceous Variation: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to a blend of tender kale and honeycrisp apples for a flavorful twist. Drizzle with an herby apple cider vinaigrette for a refreshing and aromatic kale salad.
How To Store Apple Kale Salad
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Kale Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With Apple Salad?
- Grilled Chicken: Top the salad with slices of grilled chicken breast or thighs. The tender and savory chicken pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of this amazing salad.
- Sliced Almonds: Add toasted sliced almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Almonds are also a good source of protein and healthy fats.
- Quinoa: Toss cooked quinoa into the salad for a plant-based protein option. Quinoa adds a hearty texture and complements the other ingredients well.
- Chickpeas: Roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices until crispy, then sprinkle them over the salad. Chickpeas add protein and a satisfying crunch.
- Grilled Shrimp: Top kale salads with grilled or sautéed shrimp for a light and refreshing protein option. Season the shrimp with lemon, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Kale Apple Salad with Pomegranates
Brighten up your plate with this Kale Apple Salad with Pomegranates! Crisp kale, sweet apple slices, and juicy pomegranate seeds come together in a refreshing and nutritious salad. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it's the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal!
Serving Size 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped kale washed
- 1 large green apple Granny Smith, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large salad bowl.
- Add the Apple: Core the green apple and slice it thinly. For a bit more texture, you can cut the slices into matchsticks or small cubes. Add the apple slices to the bowl with the kale.
- Include Pomegranate Arils: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils over the kale and apple. This will add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of juicy sweetness.
- Mix in Dried Cranberries: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the salad for a chewy, sweet-tart element.
- Toast and Add Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Allow them to cool, then roughly chop and add to the salad for a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
- Crumble the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. The creamy, tangy feta will contrast nicely with the sweet and savory elements.
- Chop the Green Onions: Slice the green onions thinly and scatter them over the salad for a mild onion flavor and a touch of color.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Kale Medley Magic: Blend different kale varieties like baby kale and curly kale along with fresh apples, and sprinkle sunflower seeds for vibrant kale salad recipes.
Massage Kale for Texture: Before roasting, massaging the kale with olive oil helps to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. This simple step enhances the texture of the kale, making it more enjoyable to eat.
