Name: Delicious Maple Kale Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch Kale (stems removed and leaves chopped); 1 medium Pink Lady apple (unpeeled and finely sliced); 0.5 small Red onion (finely sliced); 0.5 cup Dried cranberries (for a sweet-tart note); 0.5 cup Toasted pecans (roughly chopped); 75 g Blue cheese (crumbled); 3 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Maple syrup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; Sea salt flakes (to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Maple Kale Salad with cranberries and blue cheese is a delightful dish that showcases the best of fresh ingredients. This salad combines the robust texture of kale with the sweet-tart notes of cranberries and the creamy richness of blue cheese. The balance of flavors and textures makes this salad a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a healthy meal, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Kale Salad with

This Maple Kale Salad Recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. First, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy maple kale salad option that combines vitamins and minerals from kale and apples. Second, the maple vinaigrette for kale salad adds a unique sweetness that beautifully complements savory elements. Third, this salad is versatile; you can easily adapt it by adding different toppings like nuts or quinoa. Fourth, it’s quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes. Fifth, it’s ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Sixth, this salad is vegetarian-friendly, catering to various dietary preferences. Lastly, the combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Delicious Maple Kale Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries - Maple Kale Salad with - main visual representation

Ingredients for Maple Kale Salad with

Gather these items:

1 bunch Kale (stems removed and leaves chopped)
1 medium Pink Lady apple (unpeeled and finely sliced)
0.5 small Red onion (finely sliced)
0.5 cup Dried cranberries (for a sweet-tart note)
0.5 cup Toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
75 g Blue cheese (crumbled)
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
0.5 tsp Garlic powder
Sea salt flakes (to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

How to Make Maple Kale Salad with Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle half of the dressing over the kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale leaves for 1–2 minutes, until they are softened and reduced in volume.
Step 3: Add the sliced Pink Lady apple, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese to the bowl with kale. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients harmoniously.
Step 4: Enjoy your salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld. For the best texture, add the pecans just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch.

Delicious Maple Kale Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries - Maple Kale Salad with - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Maple Kale Salad with

Keep these in mind:

For best flavor, allow the salad to sit for a short time before serving.
Add more or less dressing based on your preference.
Experiment with different toppings like maple kale salad with nuts or maple kale salad with apples for variety.
For a vegan maple kale salad, substitute blue cheese with a vegan alternative.

Best Ways to Serve Maple Kale Salad with

This salad can be served in various delightful ways. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it as a vibrant side dish at your next gathering. It also makes a great addition to a buffet or potluck. If you’re looking for a filling lunch, consider adding quinoa for extra protein and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Maple Kale Salad with

This salad is perfect for maple kale salad for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the pecans, add them just before serving. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can lightly sauté the kale in a pan for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Kale Salad with

What’s the secret to perfect Maple Kale Salad with?

The secret lies in massaging the kale with the dressing. This step not only softens the leaves but also infuses them with flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.

Can I make Maple Kale Salad with ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the nuts and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Maple Kale Salad with?

Avoid using too much dressing at once, as this can make the salad soggy. Start with a little, and add more until you reach your desired flavor.

Variations of Maple Kale Salad with You Can Try

Get creative with your salad by trying different variations. For instance, you can make a maple-glazed kale salad by roasting the kale lightly. Alternatively, consider adding seasonal ingredients like roasted squash or pomegranate seeds for a festive twist. You could also try a maple kale salad with goat cheese for a creamier texture or a vegan maple kale salad using plant-based cheese.

For more information on the health benefits of kale, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in learning more about meal prep ideas, visit this EatingWell guide. You can also explore various healthy salad recipes for more inspiration.

Delicious Maple Kale Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries

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Author: David
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious Maple Kale Salad with Cranberries and Blue Cheese, featuring fresh kale and a sweet-tart dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bunch Kale (stems removed and leaves chopped)
1 medium Pink Lady apple (unpeeled and finely sliced)
0.5 small Red onion (finely sliced)
0.5 cup Dried cranberries (for a sweet-tart note)
0.5 cup Toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
75 g Blue cheese (crumbled)
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
0.5 tsp Garlic powder
Sea salt flakes (to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.
Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle half of the dressing over the kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale leaves for 1–2 minutes, until they are softened and reduced in volume.
Add the sliced Pink Lady apple, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese to the bowl with kale. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients harmoniously.
Enjoy your salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld. For the best texture, add the pecans just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch.