Description
Make the popular crunchy kale salad at home using this recipe for the salad base and the signature apple cider vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Massage the kale with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens slightly.
- Toast the seeds and nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas, sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds. Toast, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Add the toasted seeds and nuts to the massaged kale. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Dress and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is key to breaking down the tough fibers and making the salad pleasant to eat.
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the almonds separately if they brown faster than the seeds.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar by one teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 26
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 5