Say hello to your new favorite salad! It’s got everything—crunchy kale, sweet apples, smooth avocado, and even a little feta cheese. Top it off with some pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of sumac, and you’ve got a tasty dish that’s great for lunch or a side. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 0 minutes
How Many Servings?
2-4 servings
Table of Contents
This Kale Apple Salad recipe is a game-changer! Bursting with flavors from apples, avocado, and a tangy avocado dressing, it’s my go-to for a light lunch or zesty side dish. Kale, a versatile and nutritious leafy green, has become a staple in my diet, thanks to my love of gardening.
Whether enjoying the abundance of fresh kale from your garden or reaching your freezer for a frozen stash, this salad is a delicious and satisfying option. And when you’re craving something refreshing, try transforming the same kale into a revitalizing kale juice to kickstart your day. As the weather cools, I love to use frozen kale in a soul-warming lentil soup.
This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a complete meal or paired with grilled meats or fish for a flavorful feast. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meal planning!
Ingredients You Need Kale Salad Recipe
- Kale (Washed, Cut into Smaller Pieces): Choose a fresh bunch of kale, washed and chopped, to provide a robust base for your salad.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil to enhance the kale’s texture and infuse a rich, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of four lemons, adding a zesty kick to brighten up your kale salad.
- English Cucumber (Peeled, thinly Sliced): Crisp cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch and complement the heartiness of the kale.
- Apple (Sliced Thin): Introduce thin apple slices, offering a sweet contrast that balances the salad’s flavors.
- Avocado (Sliced Thin): Include creamy avocado slices, contributing a velvety texture and mild taste to the ensemble.
- Fresh Mint (Chopped): A handful of chopped fresh mint leaves enhances the salad’s freshness, imparting a delightful herbaceous aroma.
- Feta Cheese (Crumbled): Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy element that elevates the overall taste.
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Add a crunchy element with toasted pumpkin seeds, providing a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Optional: Sumac: For an extra layer of citrusy and tart notes, consider sprinkling sumac as an optional yet delightful addition to your kale salad.
What Kale is Best for This Salad?
Choosing the right kale is key to maximizing the flavor of your Kale Apple Salad. I love using baby red-leaf kale. It’s colorful and has a slightly sweet, peppery taste—think of it as arugula’s cousin. But don’t worry if you don’t have it; any kale will do. If you go for the popular curly kale, remember to give it a quick massage with lemon juice and olive oil. This softens it up, making it much more enjoyable to eat raw.
How to Prepare the Kale?
Preparing kale for a salad can be done in one of two ways: blanching or massaging. Both methods aim to soften the leaves, making them tastier and easier to eat:
- Blanching Method:
After washing and chopping the kale, blanch the leaves by quickly immersing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately after, place them in an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This makes the leaves softer and more palatable. - Massaging Method:
If you prefer raw kale, massaging is the way to go. This method softens the fibers and allows the flavors to infuse the leaves deeply. Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and add lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Use your fingertips to massage these ingredients into the kale until it softens gently.
Choose the method that best suits your preference, and you’ll have perfectly prepared kale ready for your salad!
Preparation
Massage the kale: Add the olive oil, salt, and lemon juice to the bowl. Use the tips of your fingers to massage these ingredients into the kale for about a minute. This process will make the kale softer and more flavorful.
This Kale Apple Salad is a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavors and textures. Enjoy crunchy kale, sweet apples, creamy avocado, and salty feta, all topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of sumac. Perfect for a light lunch or as a tasty side.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 0 minutes
How Many Servings?
2-4 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 1 bunch kale (washed and cut into smaller pieces) | |
| 1 teaspoon of olive oil | |
| ½ teaspoon salt | |
| 1 tablespoon of lemon juice | |
| ⅓ English cucumber, peeled and sliced thin | |
| ½ apple, sliced thin | |
| ½ avocado, sliced thin | |
| ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped | |
| ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese | |
| ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds | |
| ½ teaspoon sumac ( Optional ) |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How To Store Kale?
Can You Freeze Kale?
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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