This festive kale salad is perfect for fall and winter dinners and special menus where you want something fresh and colorful on the menu. It features massaged kale, crunchy apples, dried cranberries, Manchego cheese, and a flavorful apple cider vinaigrette.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: kale salad
Servings: 10Servings
Calories: 224kcal
Ingredients
For the salad
1 (one-pound)bag of fresh chopped kale leaves, about 10 cups picked through and stems removed
1poundfresh brussels sproutsshredded (I remove the ends, cut in half, and then shred into thin strips lengthwise with a knife)
¾cupdried cherriesplus an additional 2 tablespoons for garnish
½cupshelled pistachiosroughly chopped (use roasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative), plus an additional 2 tablespoons for garnish
¾cupshaved Parmesan cheese(Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah is also a wonderful option on this - find it at most cheese counters) plus an additional 2 tablespoons for garnish
1largeHoneycrisp applesliced into very thin 1’’ pieces (about 1 ½ cups), plus some thin wedges for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a Mason jar or container with a lid. Attach lid tightly and shake to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Massaging the kale and sprouts:
Place kale leaves and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add ½ cup of the vinaigrette. Use clean hands to gently massage the vinaigrette into the veggies for about two minutes. They will appear wet and shiny and the volume of the bowl will have reduced by ⅓. Refrigerate for at least two hours and up to six hours before adding the other ingredients and serving.
Salad assembly:
In the bowl with the kale and brussels sprouts, add the cherries, pistachios (or sunflower seeds) cheese, and apples. Add extra vinaigrette as needed to taste. Toss to combine. Place the salad on a large serving platter. Fluff the salad with clean hands to add height + volume. Gently sprinkle the reserved nuts, frui and cheese on top. Fan the apple wedges in a design of your choice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Leftover salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days.