Kale Salad with Cranberries

This Kale Salad with Cranberries only has a few ingredients and will become a fast favorite. Filled with cranberries, apple, walnuts, and goat cheese, each bite is full of flavor!

Table of Contents

• Cranberry Kale Salad
• Why You’ll Love Kale Salad with Dried Cranberries
• Ingredients Needed
• Ingredient Substitution
• How to make Kale Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
• Tips and Tricks
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage
• FAQs

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Cranberry Kale Salad

Looking for a healthy and delicious meal option? Look no further than a refreshing and tasty Kale Salad recipe with Cranberries. This easy salad is perfect for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.

The combination of crunchy kale, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling great. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love Kale Salad with Dried Cranberries

• Kale is one of the healthiest greens you can find, packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for your body. Cranberries are also full of antioxidants, making this salad a perfect option for those who want to boost their immune systems and keep their bodies healthy.
• This kale salad with cranberries recipe is quick and easy to put together, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a delicious dressing, you can whip up a nutritious meal in no time.
• The combination of fresh kale, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing makes for a delightful taste that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more. This Kale Cranberry Salad is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to try something new and exciting.

Ingredients Needed

• Kale – Washed and chopped: Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It has a slightly bitter taste but pairs well with sweet and tangy flavors. Lacinato kale, often called dinosaur kale, is perfect for salads, but common curly kale works too!
• Extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil is a neutral fat full of rich flavors that helps tenderize and reduces the bitterness of kale leaves, resulting in a more tender and flavorful salad.
• Dried Cranberries – Dried cranberries are sweet and chewy, and add a fruity flavor to the salad. They are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to the salad.
• Apple Cored and diced: The apple adds a sweet and juicy flavor to the salad, balancing out the bitterness of the kale. Apples are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Crisp apples are best for this perfect side dish. Give the granny smith apple a try in this recipe.
• Chopped Walnuts – Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the salad. They add crunch and texture to the dish.
• Goat Cheese – Crumbled: Goat cheese is a creamy and tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of this salad. It adds a rich and decadent taste to the dish.
• Honey Lemon Vinaigrette: The honey lemon vinaigrette is the perfect simple dressing for this salad. It is made with honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, and adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. It is simple to make and adds a refreshing touch to the salad.

Ingredient Substitution

• Swap goat cheese for feta cheese if you prefer a different cheese variety.
• Use chopped almonds or pecans as an alternative to walnuts.
• Swap the dried cranberries for other types of dried fruit if you have that on hand.

How to make Kale Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the kale, dice the apple, and crumble the goat cheese.

Massage the Kale: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the kale, and using your hands, massage it for a few minutes.

Combine in a Bowl: In a large bowl, mix the chopped kale, craisins, diced apple, and chopped walnuts with a good toss.

Drizzle Vinaigrette: Drizzle the Honey Lemon Vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well-coated.

Top with Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the salad for a creamy finish.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

Try using different varieties of apples for varied sweetness and texture. Granny Smith adds a tartness, while Honeycrisp brings a sweeter note.

Swap out the walnuts for crunchy almonds or easy candied pecans.

Add fresh fruit like a handful of pomegranate seeds for bursts of juiciness and an extra pop of color. They complement the cranberries beautifully. Add extra seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.

If you’re short on time, try out a quick balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar dressing. Looking for a more unique salad dressing? Try out this Hot Bacon Vinaigrette or this Blueberry Vinaigrette.

Pickled red onions make for a great acidic and crunchy topping too!

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, easy baked chicken breast, lemon dill garlic butter salmon, or as a light accompaniment to pasta dishes.

It’s perfect for year-round enjoyment, whether you’re seeking a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a colorful addition to a festive holiday spread.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The kale holds up well, and the flavors often meld, making it a delicious leftover option.

To make it ahead of time, save time by washing, removing the stems, and chopping the kale, dicing the apple, chopping the walnuts, and preparing the vinaigrette in advance. Store these components separately in airtight containers until ready to assemble.