Winter Kale Cranberries Salad (Printable)

Hearty kale combined with cranberries, nuts, and citrus dressing for a fresh winter meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch lacinato or curly kale (approximately 8 cups), stems removed and finely chopped

→ Fruits & Nuts

02 - 120 ml dried cranberries (½ cup)
03 - 80 ml toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (⅓ cup)
04 - 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced

→ Cheese (optional)

05 - 80 ml crumbled feta or goat cheese (⅓ cup)

→ Dressing

06 - 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup)
07 - 30 ml fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
08 - 15 ml apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon)
09 - 15 ml pure maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon)
10 - 5 ml Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and darkens.
02 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk until the mixture is emulsified.
03 - Add dried cranberries, toasted nuts, apple slices, and cheese if using, to the massaged kale.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
05 - Allow the salad to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor integration.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Kale actually becomes tender and sweet when massaged, not chewy like you might fear.
  • It tastes even better the next day when the flavors get cozy with each other.
  • You can make it in twenty minutes and still feel like you cooked something real.
  • It works equally well as a light lunch or a side that makes everything else on the plate seem fancier.
02 -
  • Massaging the kale is the difference between salad you tolerate and salad you crave—don't skip it, and don't be shy about it.
  • This salad tastes better the next day, so leftovers are actually a gift; the dressing soaks in and everything becomes more delicious.
  • If you're serving it immediately, use less dressing and add more just before eating so it doesn't get soggy.
03 -
  • Warm your bowl before adding the kale—it helps the leaves soften faster and makes the whole salad feel a little more intentional.
  • Make double the dressing and keep it in a jar in your fridge; it's wonderful on everything from roasted vegetables to grain bowls.

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