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fresh kale apple salad with balsamic dressing

Kale Apple Salad

5 from 2 votes
This kale apple salad is a must-try recipe in the fall. It balances so many savory and sweet fall flavors, is light yet filling, and works great as a side or a main course with added protein.
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Molly

INGREDIENTS

Kale Apple Salad

  • 1/2 cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds pecans or walnuts work too
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 cups shredded curly kale (Note 1)
  • 1 medium apple we used honey crisp, cut into thin matchsticks
  • 2 small dates pitted and cut into slivers
  • 1/2 small red onion diced
  • 1/3 cup shaved parmesan or feta cheese

Balsamic Dressing

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt on the baking sheet and spread them in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Add all of the balsamic dressing ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar and whisk or shake to combine. Place the shredded kale in a large bowl and toss it with half of the dressing until it coats all the leaves. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften the kale.
  • When the pumpkin seeds are done, add them to the salad with the apples, dates, red onion, and parmesan. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately or store the dressing separate from the salad and dress it before serving.

Recipe Equipment

Baking Sheet

Notes

Note 1. Kale. We used pre-washed and shredded curly kale to save time. You could buy a bunch of kale, remove the tough stems, and shred or chop it yourself. You could also use a different type of kale like lacinto kale.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5.8g | Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 7.4mg | Sodium: 442.7mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15.4g | Vitamin A: 125.6IU | Vitamin C: 28.3mg
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