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If you’re looking for a delicious kale salad recipe then you’ve found the right one. This kale cranberry apple salad with pecans makes a great fall or winter salad and is also perfect for entertaining.

Even if you don’t like salads, I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re going to love this one. Kale apple salad is a easy salad that can be served as a main dish or a tasty side. This is a great recipe for kale lovers.

Tools You Need

We’re keeping things simple with this salad. Just about everything you need is already in your kitchen.

large salad bowls

salad servers

Ingredients in Kale Cranberry Apple Salad with Pecans

This salad is super simple and is made with fresh ingredients you can get from any grocery store. It’s also a great salad for entertaining. Salads are not just for summer. This healthy salad can be enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner, as a fall kale salad, during the holiday season or any time of year.

Kale: You’ll need some raw kale for this recipe. use any type of kale you like. Red kale and baby kale are great options.

Celery: Thinly sliced.

English cucumber: Has a thinner skin, no need to remove seeds. The mild sweet flavor, works well in this dish.

Green apple: sliced apples adds a touch of tart for a mixture of tart and sweet. If you prefer, red apples they may also be used.

Pecans: Crunchy pecans really make this salad stand out!

Dried cranberries: Don’t skip adding some sweet cranberries for a burst of flavor. You can also find cranberries that are sweetened with apple juice in your grocery store.

Dressing

This salad dressing has really great flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it.

Dijon mustard: A bit of Dijon mustard is an important ingredient for a tasty dressing.

Plain dairy free yogurt: Using a plant-based yogurt, helps keep things dairy free. It also helps to make a creamy homemade dressing.

Sea salt : Add a pinch of salt or more to taste

Fresh cracked pepper: Add black pepper to taste

Apple cider vinegar: Use the good stuff. If you like apple cider vinaigrette, you’re going to love this one.

Raw honey: Use raw honey for a touch of sweetness and more nutritional benefit.

Water: Helps to thin the dressing out for the right consistency.

What Type of Kale to Use

Many people may not know this but along with Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli, kale is a cruciferous vegetable. Since kale is a cruciferous vegetable, it has a ton of noted health benefits. Most notably, cruciferous vegetables are rich in iron and folate and are a good source of vitamin A and C. These vitamin are quite beneficial when it comes to boosting immunity and the anti-cancer benefits.

There are several types of kale, this includes lacinato kale, curly kale, red Russian kale, Chinese kale and baby kale. While you are welcome to use what you like, n this salad, red Russian kale, curly kale or baby kale make the best choice.

How to Make This Healthy Salad

One of the things that makes this salad fabulous is the mixture of flavors and colors. Here’s how to make kale cranberry salad with pecans.

Step 1: In a small bowl mix all the dressing ingredients together and set aside.

Step 2: Add all the kale to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add celery, apples, cranberry, cucumbers and pecans and mix all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Drizzle in the dressing and toss well.

How to Store Leftover Dressing

Feel free to use any leftover dressing on any of your favorite salads. Store the dressing in a mason jar and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Substitutions and Omissions

If there is a nut allergy, skip the pecans.
Raw pecans can be swapped out for toasted pecans or candied pecans

Can I serve this salad on my holiday table?

Absolutely! Here are a few special touches to serve this salad during the holiday season.

Sprinkle with pomegranate as a finishing touch.
Add a splash of pomegranate juice to the dressing.
Scatter with candied pecans.
Use a combination of red and green apples for a bit of holiday color and flair.

Other Things You Can Add

If you’d like to make this a heartier salad or want to enjoy this as a healthier dinner salad, here are some ideas of things you can add:

roasted butternut squash
grilled chicken breast
pumpkin seeds
Brussels sprouts
sunflower seeds
cooked sweet potatoes

Benefits to eating this salad

This salad makes a great side dish. If you’d like to make it as a dinner salad, feel free to add some protein or filling produce like sweet potato, pumpkin or squash.

Tips to Make a Better Salad

Make sure to use the freshest ingredients that you have at your disposal.

Toss the dressing evenly for evenly distributed flavor.

Swap out kale for any greens that you’d like. Spinach, also works well in this salad.

Avocado mayo can be swapped out for dairy free yogurt.

Additional fresh cracked pepper can also be used to garnish.

Q&A

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While I don’t recommend making this salad ahead if time, there are some things you can do to save some time in the kitchen. The salad dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.

Chop pecans ahead of time.

Yield: 6

Kale Apple Salad with Peans

A fantastic fusion of fresh kale, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans make this delicious kale apple salad. This mouthwatering mix brings a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors without any dairy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 32 minutes