The changing landscape of gold and orange foliage that autumn offers calls for comfort food, the creamy soups, hearty pot pies and the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. However, every now and then, you need a break from it all to refresh your palates and there’s no better way to do it than with the crisp and refreshing Autumn Kale and Apple Salad. This salad is like fall in a bowl, you have the earthy kale, complemented by the tangy, yet sweet, apples with a stoneground mustard cider vinaigrette tying it all together. Perfect to serve at your family Thanksgiving dinner or a Halloween party for a plate healthier side. Trust me, after your first bite, you���ll be as hooked as I am!
Taking a look at the cooking times; you’d observe how streamlined the entire process is. You spend 10 minutes preparing it, and another 10 minutes cooking it. At most, it’s a 20-minute affair, making about 8 servings, which is hands down amazing, if you ask me! The end product is a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors that would make your palate dance in glee! So, let���s jump into the recipe now, shall we?
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time to bring smiles: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 bright smiles
- Yield: A bowl full of pure joy
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll be needing, mates:
- 6 cups of chopped kale
- 2 crisp apples, diced
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Stoneground mustard cider vinaigrette ingredients
And gear up with these tools:
- A salad spinner (if you have one)
- A sharp knife
- A large salad bowl
Take a gander at the role each ingredient plays: kale gives your salad volumes and brings the oomph of green while the apples and cranberry leave your taste buds tingling with their crisp and sweet vibes. The pecans bring the crunch and the feta cheese is there to balance the fruit with the richness it provides.
How To Make Autumn Kale and Apple Salad
Let me guide you, step-by-step, on how to assemble your fall feast:
- First off, wash and dry the kale (the salad spinner’s great here) and transfer to a large salad bowl.
- Add diced apples, pecans, cranberries, and crumbled feta over the kale.
- Now it’s time to prepare the vinaigrette. Just mix all the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and pour it over the salad.
- Toss everything together, ensuring all the components get a fair share of that delicious dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a while so the kale can soften under the vinaigrette.
- Serve and watch the smiles spread!
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure your kale is well dried before you add the vinaigrette.
- Use a sweet and tangy apple variety for a burst of flavor!
Storage Tips
- Store leftover salad in the fridge in an airtight container.
- If you���re making ahead, keep the vinaigrette separate and toss just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute pecans for other nuts?
A: Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds in place of the pecans.
Q: Can this salad be made ahead?
A: Yes, but add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese in place of feta?
A: Yes, you can use blue cheese or goat cheese instead.
Q: Do I need a salad spinner?
A: No, you can also pat the kale dry with a towel. A spinner just makes the process easier.
Q: Can I use a different vinaigrette?
A: Sure, a balsamic vinaigrette would work great here as well!
Nutritional Facts of Autumn Kale and Apple Salad
Per serving, your Autumn Kale and Apple Salad contains:
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
In conclusion, this Autumn Kale and Apple Salad recipe is a godsend. It’s nutritious, delicious, and easy to put together, perfect for those fall days when you need a good crisp salad to balance out the hearty meals. The dressing is simple yet complements the dish perfectly and ensures that none of the flavors overpower each other. So, fire up the kitchen, get chopping, and create your very own fall feast. Bon App��tit!
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