Winter Kale Apple Cheddar (Printable)

Nutrient-packed kale with crisp apples, sharp cheddar, nuts, and a zesty dressing for cold days.

# Ingredient List:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn or chopped (about 7 oz)

→ Fruits & Cheese

02 - 1 large crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
03 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or thin slices

→ Nuts & Seeds

04 - 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (optional)

→ Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Add-Ins

12 - 1 small shallot, finely minced
13 - 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

# How to Make:

01 - Place kale leaves in a large bowl, drizzle with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then massage with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
02 - Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper together in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
03 - Add sliced apples, cheddar cheese, toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds if using, dried cranberries if using, and optional shallot to the massaged kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly.
05 - Taste the salad, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately or allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Kale stays tender and doesn't wilt into sadness once the dressing hits it.
  • The salty cheese and sweet apple combination tastes infinitely more interesting than it has any right to.
  • It takes twenty minutes from fridge to table and works as lunch, side dish, or dinner filler depending on what you're doing that night.
02 -
  • Massaging the kale is not optional drama—it's the difference between a salad you want to eat and one you feel obligated to finish.
  • If you add the dressing too early and walk away, the kale will soften and the apples will lose their snap, so dress it just before serving unless you're doing this hours ahead intentionally.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for a minute or two right before assembling—you'll smell the difference and taste it even more.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the apples separate from the rest and add them just before serving so they don't oxidize or get soggy.

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