Winter Kale Apple Cheddar (Print Version)
A fresh winter salad blending kale, apples, sharp cheddar, and toasted nuts with a simple dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables & Fruits
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 7 oz), stems removed and leaves chopped
02 - 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
→ Cheese
04 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or thin shavings
→ Nuts & Seeds
05 - ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard (ensure gluten-free if necessary)
09 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage gently with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves soften and deepen in color.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
03 - Add the sliced apples, red onion, cheddar cheese, and toasted nuts to the massaged kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad components and toss thoroughly to achieve an even coating.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately or allow to rest for 10 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together faster than you'd think, but tastes like you spent way more time on it.
- The kale actually becomes tender and friendly when you massage it, not bitter or tough like you might expect.
- That sharp cheddar and sweet apple combination keeps surprising your taste buds—every bite tastes a little different.
02 -
- If you let the salad sit for 10 minutes after dressing it, the flavors marry together and it becomes something even better than when you just made it.
- Massaging the kale isn't optional—it's the difference between a rough salad and one that feels luxurious in your mouth.
03 -
- Slice your apples just before you eat; if they sit too long, they'll oxidize and turn brown.
- Toast your own nuts if you can—the difference between store-bought and freshly toasted is worth the five minutes.