Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts
When it comes to holiday salads, this Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts strikes the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. The crunch of the crisp apples and toasted walnuts pairs perfectly with the tender kale, while the maple vinaigrette brings a subtle sweetness that ties it all together. Finished with crumbled feta, this salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a great addition to any holiday table.
The best part? This chopped kale salad, with apple slices and dried cherries, is incredibly easy to prepare. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to go. Whether you’re planning a big holiday feast or need something quick for a last minute gathering, this salad’s versatility and simplicity make it a go-to for busy holiday schedules. It also allows you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts
I love how it brings a fresh balance to the rich, hearty flavors of the holiday season. When this salad graces our Thanksgiving table, it just adds a beautiful elegance.
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With the sweet apples and the walnut-shallot dressing drizzled on top, the flavors just pop. Oh, and be ready for everyone to ask for the dressing recipe! It’s that good. It just pairs so well with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more!
Why I love this recipe
- Favorite fall and holiday seasonal salad.
- Light, fresh, and easy to make.
- A beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts
- Kale – large bunches, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- Red apple– crisp, thinly sliced
- Dried cherries
- Toasted walnuts – chopped
- Feta – crumbled
Make the walnut-shallot dressing
- Walnut oil
- Rice wine vinegar
- Shallots – minced
- Lemon juice
- Real maple syrup
- Salt (if needed)
How to make Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts
- Whisk together walnut oil, rice wine vinegar, shallots, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Toss together (in a large bowl) kale, apples, cherries, and toasted chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad mix and finish with sprinkled crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips & substitutions
- You can swap out the apples for crisp pears.
- Add in pomegranate seeds at Christmas time for some more festive colors and flavors.
- Add in orange slices (or mandarin oranges) for Christmas time.
- Drizzle the dressing over the kale before company arrives, it allows the kale leaves to absorb the dressing and soften a bit. I learned this tip when making this kale crunch salad.
Serving suggestions
Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts pairs perfectly with a hearty sugo di carne pasta dish, cheesy potato bread, and a slice of rich butternut squash cheesecake for a well-rounded holiday meal.
Storage
This salad is best served fresh, but if you do have any leftovers you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Check these other salad dishes while you’re here
- Harvest Fall Salad Recipe
- Layered Harvest Quinoa Salad
- Meg’s Winter Green Salad Recipe
- Fall Harvest Salad (deconstructed on a board)
- Apple Spinach Salad
Get the Recipe:
Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 large bunches kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 1 crisp red apple, thinly sliced
- ½ c. dried cherries
- ½ c. toasted walnuts, chopped
- ¼ c. crumbled feta
Dressing:
- ½ cup walnut oil
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. minced shallots
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. real maple syrup
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together walnut oil, vinegar; shallot, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Make the salad: In a large bowl toss together kale, apples, cherries, and toasted chopped walnuts.
- Toss the salad with dressing and then top with feta sprinkles; serve!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
