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+ servings

Autumn Kale Salad with Apples, Pecans, and Goat Cheese

This Autumn Kale Salad combines crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans with a tangy maple dressing for a perfect fall dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb kale stems discarded, chopped into small pieces (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 apple cored and thinly sliced (Fuji recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese chevre, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Salad spinner
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Prep and Wash the Kale
  1. Wash the chopped kale well in a colander. Drain it thoroughly, pat dry, or use a salad spinner to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent a soggy salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until emulsified. This should only take about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Massage the Kale
  1. Add the washed and dried kale to the bowl with the dressing. Using clean hands, gently massage the dressing into the kale, softening it noticeably. This should take about 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
  1. To the bowl of kale, add the sliced apple, sliced almonds, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss everything gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best combination of fresh textures and flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4500IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Your choice of apple can alter the sweetness of the salad, with Fuji being a sweeter option and Granny Smith for a tangier taste. Pre-cut kale may need further massaging for optimal tenderness. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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