Winter kale pecans cranberries (Printable)

Crunchy winter kale blended with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, apple, and tangy maple-Dijon dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large bunch kale (approximately 8 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 cup pecan halves
03 - 2/3 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
02 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until tender and darkened.
03 - Add toasted pecans, dried cranberries, red onion, apple slices, and crumbled feta to the kale.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
05 - Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately or let rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The kale becomes silky and tender without any cooking, just a little olive oil and your hands.
  • Toasted pecans add a smoky sweetness that makes every bite feel a little indulgent.
  • It holds up beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and it only gets better.
  • The maple-Dijon vinaigrette is tangy, sweet, and balanced in a way that makes you want to lick the bowl.
02 -
  • Don't skip massaging the kale, it's the difference between chewy and tender.
  • Toast the pecans just until fragrant, they'll go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
  • Dress the salad right before serving if you want maximum crunch, or ahead if you prefer it softer.
03 -
  • Use your hands to massage the kale, it's faster and more effective than any tool.
  • Taste the vinaigrette before you pour it, you might want a little more maple or vinegar depending on your mood.
  • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes after dressing, the kale softens even more and the flavors deepen.

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