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Image of Kale Apple Walnut Salad

Kale Apple Walnut Salad

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Kale Apple Walnut Salad has massaged kale, cut apples, toasted walnuts, and crispy quinoa. So healthy and so delicious.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 483 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Blender
  • 1 salad bowl
  • 1 spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs kale about 3 bunches
  • 2 apple, sliced See recipe note.
  • 2 cup walnuts toasted
  • 1/2 cup crispy quinoa

Creamy Walnut Dressing

  • 1 cup walnuts toasted
  • 1/4 cup walnut oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Make the Dressing

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the walnut oil, toasted walnuts, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prepare the Kale

  • In a large salad bowl, add the chopped kale. ( I like to chop the kale into thin strips).
  • Add 1/4 cup of the salad dressing over the kale. Massage the dressing into the kale with your hands for a few minutes until it becomes tender.

Prepare the Salad

  • Add the sliced crunchy apples and toasted walnuts to the large bowl.
  • Assemble the Salad
  • Pour more dressing (to your liking) over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Sprinkle the crispy quinoa on top just before serving for added crunch.
  • Serve immediately or let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container. 

Notes

If you halve this recipe, make the full amount of dressing and save it for future salads or marinades. I've used this slathered over salmon and as a chicken marinade and it is perfection. 
Apples: I like to cut the apple into thick matchstick like slices but but diced works too. I used one honey crispy apple and one Green Newtown Pippin apple.  

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 13gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 27gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 168mgPotassium: 918mgFiber: 12gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 17065IUVitamin C: 162mgCalcium: 487mgIron: 5mg
Keyword appetizer, kale, salad
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