Looking for a fresh, delicious salad in 15 minutes? Try our Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad for a burst of sweet and savory goodness!
This Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that balances fresh, hearty greens with sweet and tart flavors. This combination brings together earthy, sweet, and nutty notes in every bite, giving your taste buds a variety of textures and flavors that perfectly meld together.
For more flavor filled salads you have to check out my Chicken Apple Walnut Salad, Southwest Salad, and Beet Salad.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Salad
- Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice.
- The mix of apples, pecans, and kale gives this salad a satisfying crunch.
- Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad stays fresh, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Ingredients
- Apple: Adds a sweet, juicy flavor and a crisp texture.
- Candied Pecans: Provide a sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Dried Cranberries: Provide a sweet and tart flavor along with a chewy texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Topping Options: Popular options include crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy contrast, sliced avocado for richness, or pomegranate seeds for an additional burst of sweetness and color. You can also sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
- Nut Variation: For added variety and texture, consider using different nuts in your Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad, such as walnuts, almonds, or even cashews.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad
Step 1: In a medium serving bowl, combine kale, apple, pecans, bacon, and cranberries.
Step 2: In a small food processor, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Pulse until creamy and emulsified.
Step 3: Toss the salad in the dressing and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Keeping Apples Fresh: If chopping the apples in advance, drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. This keeps the apples looking fresh and appetizing.
- Enhancing Kale Texture: To improve your salad, massage the kale leaves with your hands until they turn darker and become fragrant. This breaks down the fibers, tenderizing the kale and reducing its bitterness.
FAQs
Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, then tightly seal the lid and shake vigorously to ensure the dressing is well-emulsified and easy to pour.
Lacinato kale (Dinosaur kale) or curly kale works best for this salad. Lacinato kale has a tender texture, while curly kale offers more crunch, both adding great flavor and texture.
Storage Info
STORE Apple Kale Salad leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture of the kale and apples will be compromised.
To REHEAT the bacon, separate it from the salad and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until crispy. Combine the bacon with the salad just before serving to maintain its texture.
Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 c. kale chopped
- 1 apple cut into 1/4-inch chunks
- 2/3 c. candied pecans whole or coarsely chopped
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 c. dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
- 1 tbsp. shallot coarsely chopped
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp. apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 2 tsp. whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp. coarse kosher sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 c. olive oil or mild tasting oil
Instructions
- In a medium serving bowl, combine kale, apple, pecans, bacon, and cranberries.
- In a small food processor, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Pulse until creamy and emulsified.
- Toss the salad in the dressing and serve immediately.
One of my favorite salads!! Love the crunch & the dressing is light & so tasty!
This salad is not only so beautiful, it has the best flavor! Making this again soon!
I totally agree with you -NATALIE that Kale gets a bad rap! Every time I eat Kale! I gag!
I decided to make your Cranberry Apple Pecan Kale Salad for potluck! Since I didn’t want anything left over and no one would notice if I left some on my plate! Needless to say when I went back for seconds there wasn’t anything left in the bowl! This recipe is a keeper for sure!