Best Kale Salad Recipe

I love trying new takes on a Delicious Kale Salad that brings together crisp curly kale, thin apple slices, and shredded carrot with toasted almonds and sharp white cheddar. A zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey creates a vibrant mix that keeps me coming back for more.

I’ve been experimenting with kale salads lately and this one really caught my attention. Its mix of crisp curly kale and sweet apple slices creates a fresh base that just wakes up your taste buds.

I shredded a carrot and tossed in some roughly chopped toasted almonds for that added crunch, mixing it with a generous sprinkle of sharp white cheddar. The whole dish gets lifted with a simple dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and just a touch of honey.

I always season it with salt and pepper to perfectly balance the flavors. This salad is not just healthy eating but also a delicious kale recipe that makes a great dinner salad or a light meal.

I love how easy it is to make and serve, making it a great option when you want something healthy and satisfying without too much fuss. Enjoy exploring this kale salad meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for several reasons. First, i appreciate how crunchy the kale and apples are; every bite gives a nice texture that keeps the salad from being bland. Second, the mix of sweet apples, tangy lemon dressing and sharp white cheddar makes each mouthful interesting and fun, kind of like a flavor adventure in every bite. Third, i really like how easy it is to put together – it doesn’t take forever which is great when you’re in a rush or just want something healthy without too much hassle. Lastly, those toasted almonds add a unique crunch and nutty flavor that sets it apart from your typical salad.

Ingredients

• Kale is full of fiber and vitamins its slightly bitter and super healthy.
• Sweet apple gives natural sugar and crunch while adding fresh taste and fiber.
• Carrot offers beta carotene and a crisp texture with a hint of sweetness.
• Almonds add protein, healthy fats and a nutty crunch that complements the salad.
• Cheddar delivers a sharp, salty bite and extra protein in every bite.
• Lemon juice provides a tangy kick that brightens up all the flavors.
• Honey ties the dressing together with its smooth, natural sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups curly kale, washed and torn into bite sized pieces
• 1 large sweet apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, shredded
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. First off, wash your kale and tear it into bite size pieces then place it in a large bowl.

2. Next, add your thinly sliced apple and shredded carrot on top of the kale.

3. Toss in the roughly chopped toasted almonds and shredded sharp white cheddar.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and honey.

5. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a little pepper then stir it well.

6. Drizzle the dressing evenly over yer salad.

7. Gently toss the salad so every bit gets coated with that nice lemony dressing.

8. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to let the flavors really mix together.

9. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl to hold and toss the kale, apple, and carrot together
2. A cutting board to safely tear, slice, and chop all the fresh ingredients
3. A sharp chef’s knife for slicing the apple and chopping the toasted almonds
4. A grater for shredding the carrot and the sharp white cheddar
5. A small bowl to mix the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and honey for the dressing
6. Measuring spoons to accurately portion out the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey
7. A salad spoon or tongs for gently tossing the salad so every piece gets coated with the dressing

FAQ

Best Kale Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of curly kale, you can use baby kale or even spinach if you’re looking for a milder taste.
• If you dont have a sweet apple on hand, try using a ripe pear for a similar crunchy sweetness.
• You can swap toasted almonds with walnuts or pecans to vary the texture and flavor a bit.
• If sharp white cheddar isn’t available, a milder cheddar or goat cheese might work just fine.
• In case you’re out of extra virgin olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil which gives a different twist.

Pro Tips

1. Try massaging your kale with a little bit of the oil and lemon juice from the dressing before tossing in the rest of your ingredients. This helps soften the leaves and makes the salad taste way less bitter.

2. If you’re worried about your apple turning brown, toss the slices in a bit of extra lemon juice or add them right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

3. Don’t be shy about toasting your almonds until they are golden brown. It really brings out their nutty flavor, but keep an eye on them so they dont burn.

4. Be sure to let the salad sit for a few minutes after adding the dressing. This waiting period gives the kale time to absorb the flavors and makes the crunch of your apple and carrot mix even more satisfying.