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.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 483 kcal
1 Blender
1 salad bowl
1 spoon
- 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
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.
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.
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