Easy Kale Salad with Fresh Lemon Dressing
Bright lemon dressing, sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta transform fresh kale into a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that's as refreshing as it is satisfying—even kid-approved!
Ingredients
6 cups chopped kale, loosely packed
1 small shallot, peeled and minced
1 large apple or pear, chopped
⅓ cup pecans
⅓ cup dried cranberries (optional)
4 oz (½ cup) crumbled goat cheese or feta
For added sweetness: Add an extra chopped apple or pear.
Dressing
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1teaspoon Dijon mustard
1teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
To Assemble:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and extra virgin olive oil. Add the salt and whisk again to combine.
2. Prepare the kale by removing the tough stems. Tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the kale. Using your hands, massage the kale for 3 minutes until it becomes dark green, slightly wilted, and tender.
4. Add the shallot, apples or pears, pecans, and cranberries, then toss to combine.
5. Let the salad sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to come together. If letting it sit longer, store it in the fridge and add the apples or pears, pecans, and cranberries just before serving for the best texture.6. Just before serving, sprinkle with goat cheese or feta.