Kale Salad: A Crunchy and Nutritious Winter Kale Salad Recipe

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If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious salad to add to your winter menu, consider making a kale salad. Kale salads are not only nutritious, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a crunchy and savory kale salad that’s perfect for the winter season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This kale salad recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a good salad. The combination of curly kale, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to become a favorite.

Plus, the salad is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste, and you can also use different types of kale or nuts to change up the flavor.

Whether you’re a fan of sweet and tangy or savory and umami, this kale salad recipe is a great starting point for creating your own unique flavor combinations.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped , The curly kale provides a nice texture and flavor to the salad, and the chopped leaves make it easy to eat.

1/2 cup toasted almonds, sliced , The toasted almonds add a nice crunch to the salad, and the sliced almonds make it easy to distribute evenly throughout the salad.

1/2 cup dried cranberries , The dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, and they also provide a nice chewy texture.

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese , The crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the salad, and it also provides a nice texture contrast to the crunchy almonds and chewy cranberries.

1/4 cup olive oil , The olive oil is used to make the salad dressing, and it adds a rich and flavorful taste to the salad.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar , The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the salad, and it also helps to bring all the ingredients together.

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , The Dijon mustard adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the salad, and it also helps to enhance the other flavors in the salad.

1/2 teaspoon salt , The salt adds a savory flavor to the salad, and it also helps to bring out the other flavors in the salad.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper , The black pepper adds a spicy and savory flavor to the salad, and it also helps to enhance the other flavors in the salad.

Why These Ingredients

Curly Kale

The curly kale is the star of the show in this salad, and it provides a delicious and nutritious base for the other ingredients. The curly kale is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different salads and recipes.

When choosing curly kale, look for leaves that are fresh and have a nice deep green color. Avoid leaves that are wilted or have brown spots, as they may be past their prime.

In addition to its great flavor and texture, curly kale is also packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, and it’s also high in fiber and antioxidants.

Toasted Almonds

The toasted almonds add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad, and they’re also a great source of healthy fats and protein. To toast the almonds, simply spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.

When choosing almonds, look for ones that are fresh and have a nice sweet flavor. Avoid almonds that are stale or have a bitter flavor, as they may not provide the best flavor and texture in the salad.

Dried Cranberries

The dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, and they’re also a great source of antioxidants and fiber. When choosing dried cranberries, look for ones that are made with real fruit and don’t contain any added sugars or preservatives.

In addition to their great flavor and nutritional benefits, dried cranberries are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different recipes. They’re a great addition to salads, oatmeal, and yogurt, and they can also be used to make homemade trail mix and energy bars.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Prepare the Kale , Start by removing the stems from the kale and discarding them. Then, coarsely chop the leaves and place them in a large bowl.

Use your hands to massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes tender and slightly softened.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds , Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.

Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Salad Dressing , In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad , Add the toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese to the bowl with the kale. Drizzle the salad dressing over the top and toss to combine.

Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!

How To Serve

This kale salad is perfect for serving as a main course or side dish. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

As a main course, consider serving the salad with a protein like grilled chicken or salmon. The salad is also a great side dish for soups, stews, and casseroles.

In addition to its great flavor and nutritional benefits, this kale salad is also very versatile and can be served at a variety of different occasions. It’s a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, and it’s also perfect for serving at parties and gatherings.

One of the best things about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for serving at events where you need to prepare food in advance.

To serve the salad, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also add some fresh fruit or nuts to the top of the salad for extra flavor and texture.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

The salad can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, the salad should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

To store the salad at room temperature, simply place it in an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Keep the salad away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and make sure it’s not exposed to any strong-smelling foods.

Refrigerator

The salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. To refrigerate the salad, place it in an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.

Keep the salad in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.

To reheat the salad, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also add some fresh fruit or nuts to the top of the salad for extra flavor and texture.

Freezer

The salad can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the salad, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and label it with the date and contents.

Keep the salad in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F or below.

To thaw the salad, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once the salad is thawed, you can reheat it by letting it come to room temperature or by adding some fresh fruit or nuts to the top.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this salad is to use fresh ingredients. The curly kale, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries should all be fresh and of high quality.

Using fresh ingredients will not only ensure that the salad tastes great, but it will also provide the best nutritional benefits.

Fresh ingredients are higher in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than older ingredients, and they’re also less likely to contain added preservatives or pesticides.

Don’t Overdress the Salad

Another important thing to keep in mind when making this salad is to not overdress it. The salad dressing should be lightly applied, and you should be able to still see the ingredients underneath.

Overdressing the salad can make it soggy and unappetizing, and it can also mask the natural flavors of the ingredients.

To avoid overdressing the salad, start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.

Add Some Protein

Adding some protein to the salad can make it more filling and satisfying. Consider adding some grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu to the salad for extra protein and flavor.

Protein is an important nutrient that helps to build and repair muscles, and it’s also important for maintaining healthy bones and organs.

Adding protein to the salad can also help to keep you full and satisfied, making it a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

This kale salad is a delicious and nutritious option for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty meal. With its combination of curly kale, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries, this salad is perfect for serving as a main course or side dish.

Whether you’re a fan of sweet and tangy or savory and umami, this kale salad recipe is a great starting point for creating your own unique flavor combinations.