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.
How Many Servings?
2-4 servings
Table of Contents
You’ve got to try this Kale Apple Salad Recipe—it’s 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. Ever since I began gardening, kale has become a superstar in my backyard. It’s easy to grow and healthy, making it a staple in my daily meals.
This salad is my first choice when my garden is overflowing with kale. And when I crave something different? I turn the same fresh kale into a revitalizing Kale Juice to kickstart my day. As the weather cools, I freeze some kale for a soul-warming Lentil with Kale Soup in the fall.
This salad is so versatile it can be a meal on its own. But if you’re up for a feast, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal planning!
Ingredients for Refreshing Kale Salad Recipe
- Kale (Washed, Cut into Smaller Pieces): Opt for a fresh bunch of kale, washed and chopped, providing 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, Sliced Thin): Incorporate crisp cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch, complementing 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): Enhance the salad’s freshness with a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves, 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 personally 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, just 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.
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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