Description
A vibrant and healthy Kale Salad with crisp apples, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy toasted almonds, dressed in a tangy orange vinaigrette and topped with creamy feta cheese. This refreshing salad is perfect as a light meal or a nutritious side.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 large bunches kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and minced shallot until well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the roughly chopped kale, thinly sliced apples, dried cherries, and toasted sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the kale mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top as a finishing touch, then serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For the best texture, use firm, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Make sure to remove the tough ribs from the kale to ensure easier chewing and better salad texture.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead; store covered in the refrigerator but add almonds and feta right before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, toasted almonds, dried cherries, feta cheese, healthy salad, orange vinaigrette, vegetarian salad
