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    Home » CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    18 30 MINUTES OR LESS

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    This Crunchy Kale Salad topped with apples, pomegranates, sweet and smokey pepitas and a yummy shallot vinaigrette has the perfect fall flavors in one bite.
    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    Are you team curly kale or flat kale (also known as lacinato or dino kale). I am hands down flat kale, it’s like curly parsley or flat… always team flat, like my hair ahhah.

    I love using the lacinato kale and shredding it up because it’s more robust than green curly kale and, like… less kale-ish. Does that make sense? Do you get me? The moral of that story is that I really love this kind of kale only, that’s IMPORTANT.

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    Can we talk about these pink apples, I went to the farmers market last week hoping to find them and lucky be the lady, I got some. I can’t remember the correct name for them, something pink lady… If you know, tell me in comments. They have a short season here in Oregon, so I jumped on the opportunity to create something pretty with these. This crunchy kale salad seemed like the perfect way to share it. Hoping to also get a pretty in pink galette in on the blog this weekend for you.

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD
    What in the kale are you waiting for? ahahah ok ok, I’ll stop with the puns… or not. If you’re like, I don’t like kale… trust me, you will LOVE this kale salad. Make it and tell me what you think in comments for sure. Because I’m all about the feedback.

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD
    For real, this kale salad is so good. What helps a lot with this salad is letting the dressing rest on the kale for 15 minutes before serving it to help soften the kale.

    Make your dressing ahead of time, because the flavors that hang out together last longer together… see what I did there? I’m such a dork. Flavor BFF’s are the best.

    FLAVOR PROFILES FOR THIS SALAD :

    1. sweet from the apples and dressing
    2. savory from the kale and pepitas
    3. crunchy from the apples
    4. smokey from the pepitas
    5. a little sour from the pomegranates

    I love the combination of the flavors together for the dressing and this salad. Grab the recipe for the EASY SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE here.SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

    Kale keeps its shape for a couple of days, even when dressed. This salad is great to make ahead for weekday lunches. Just add in the toppings separately.

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD
    I am so excited you are making one of my recipes and I would love to see how it turns out. Make sure to share it on instagram and tag me @lenaskitchenblog so I can see your masterpiece!

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD
    Print Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    This Crunchy Kale Salad topped with apples, pomegranates, sweet and smokey pepitas and a yummy shallot vinaigrette has the perfect fall flavors in one bite.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    resting time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Author Lena Gladstone

    INGREDIENTS

    KALE SALAD
    • 1 head kale, destemed
    • 1/2-1 medium apple, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
    • 4-5 tbsp shallot vinaigrette (see recipe in post)
    PEPITAS
    • 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or your favorite nuts
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular
    • 1/4 tsp sea salt
    • 1 tbsp light brown sugar

    INSTRUCTIONS

    PEPITAS

    • Heat pan on medium low heat, add in the pepitas, toast for a few minutes. After about 2 minutes add the seasonings, mix with a wooden spoon and toast for another 3-4 minutes. Make sure to move around often so they don't burn. Move to a plate or parchment paper and let cool.

    KALE SALAD

    • Remove the stems from the kale, rinse and pat dry or spin in a salad spinner. Slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Add Shallot Vinaigrette. Massage with hands to soften the kale and let the dressing sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Remove from mixing bowl and add to a plate or bowl.
    • Cut your apple in half, remove the core, slice into thin slices. I used half an apple, but you can add the whole thing if you would like. Arrange on the plate of kale in clusters.
    • Clean a pomegranate to get 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle all over the salad. 
    • Add toasted pepitas on the salad right before serving. Enjoy.

    NOTES

    Other great fruit options if you don't have apples would be pears and persimmons. If you don't have pepitas, use whatever nuts you have at home, make sure to toast them with the seasonings to get the same flavor profile.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Be sure to post + tag @lenaskitchenblog on Instagram & use #lenaskitchenblog!
    Nutrition Facts
    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD
    Amount Per Serving (0 g)
    Calories 0
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 0g0%
    Saturated Fat 0g0%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
    Monounsaturated Fat 0g
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Sodium 0mg0%
    Potassium 0mg0%
    Carbohydrates 0g0%
    Fiber 0g0%
    Sugar 0g0%
    Protein 0g0%
    Vitamin A 0IU0%
    Vitamin C 0mg0%
    Calcium 0mg0%
    Iron 0mg0%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    xoxo,
    LENA

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    CRUNCHY KALE SALAD

    18

    Categories: 30 MINUTES OR LESS Tags: healthy, healthy salad, kale, kale salad, salad

    Previous Post: « CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE with SHALLOTS
    Next Post: Low Carb Mediterranean Burger Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. lenaskitchen says

      at

      They sure are, perfectly in season right now too. So tasty.

    2. Donna says

      at

      Pink Lady apples

    3. Emilliya Kerez says

      at

      5 stars
      Made this amazing Kale Salad a week ago for my mamas Birthday, and I must say it was a hit! Such a unique flavor profile, reminds me of autumn. Also, on the lighter and healthier side, which is always a plus. The Shallot Vinaigrette was simply delicious. I wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you Lena.

    4. Anna says

      at

      5 stars
      Yumm looks super easy and quick! Can’t wait to try!

    5. Toni says

      at

      Pink pearl apples?

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    WELCOME

    Hi, I’m Lena Gladstone, the recipe developer and food photographer behind Lena’s Kitchen. Here you will find approachable food recipes to share with the whole family. Keto friendly, weeknight dinners all made with fresh ingredients. Click here to learn more!

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