Winter Kale Pecans Cranberries (Printable)
Tender kale tossed with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a bright maple-Dijon vinaigrette for winter meals.
# What You Need:
→ Salad
01 - 1 large bunch kale (about 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 (optional)
→ Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
07 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned and aromatic. Remove from heat and cool.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl and drizzle with one teaspoon of the vinaigrette. Massage the leaves gently for 1 to 2 minutes until they darken and soften.
04 - Add toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, apple, and feta cheese (if using) to the massaged kale.
05 - Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Serve immediately or allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The massage trick makes raw kale actually tender and almost buttery, no special equipment needed.
- Sweet cranberries and pecans turn a humble salad into something that feels like a celebration without any fuss.
- It holds up beautifully if you need to make it ahead, staying crisp and flavorful for hours.
02 -
- The kale massage is non-negotiable—it actually breaks down the fibers and makes raw kale digestible and tender, not just edible but genuinely good.
- Don't dress the salad too far in advance if you love crunch; the kale will gradually soften as it sits in the vinaigrette, which is fine but changes the texture.
03 -
- Toast your nuts fresh if possible—even just five minutes in a dry skillet transforms their flavor and makes the entire salad taste richer.
- Always massage your kale before adding other ingredients; it's the foundation that makes this salad work, not just a suggestion.