This Kale Hazelnut Cranberry Salad with Hazelnuts, and Sliced Apple is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. The perfect balance of flavors and textures will have you craving your greens in no time.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this Kale Hazelnut Cranberry Salad because it’s a delightful blend of sweet and savory.
The robust earthy flavor of kale harmonizes perfectly with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts.
Sliced apples add a refreshing, crisp twist, making each bite a joyous experience.
This salad is not only a burst of flavors but also a nutritional powerhouse, making it a favorite in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Nutrient-Packed: Kale is a superfood loaded with vitamins and minerals, making this salad a nutritional powerhouse.
▪️ Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy days; it takes only a few minutes to prepare.
▪️ Versatile: You can customize this salad with your favorite toppings and dressings.
▪️ Satisfying: The combination of textures and flavors leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 4 cups of fresh kale: Kale is the hearty base of our salad, packed with vitamins, fiber, and a satisfying crunch.
▪️ 1/2 cup of dried cranberries: These little gems bring a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.
▪️ 1/4 cup of roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped: Hazelnuts add a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
▪️ 1 apple: Sliced thinly for a crisp and refreshing contrast.
▪️ Olive oil: To create a light and flavorful dressing.
▪️ Lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick to the dressing.
▪️ Salt and pepper: For seasoning, enhance the flavors in each bite.
Making Of Kale Hazelnut Cranberry Salad
STEP 1: Give your kale leaves a good wash. We want them squeaky clean! Remove those tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you’ve got a salad spinner, use it to dry the kale, or just gently pat it with a clean kitchen towel.
STEP 2: In a small bowl, we’re going to whip up a zesty dressing. Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and add a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Mix it up well. This dressing will be your salad’s best friend.
STEP 3: Now, here’s the fun part. Pour that dressing all over your chopped kale. Get your hands in there and start massaging the kale gently. Think of it as giving the kale a little spa treatment. This softens it up and makes it less bitter.
STEP 4: Sprinkle those sweet dried cranberries and those crunchy roasted hazelnuts all over your kale. Give it a gentle toss to mix things up. The flavors are already starting to dance together!
STEP 5: Lay those thinly sliced apple pieces right on top of your salad. They’re like the crispy, refreshing surprise that your taste buds will thank you for.
STEP 6: Your Kale Hazelnut Cranberry Salad is ready! Serve it up, and with every bite, savor the fantastic blend of flavors and textures. It’s a wholesome, healthy treat that’s as good for your soul as it is for your taste buds.
Tips and Techniques
▪️ Massage kale or other tough greens with dressing to soften them and enhance flavor.
▪️ Start with a little dressing; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
▪️ Toast nuts for extra crunch and consider seasonal fruits for variety.
▪️ Thinly slice apples to maintain their crispness and add a delightful texture.
▪️ Crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs beautifully with this salad.
▪️ Dress the salad just before eating to avoid wilting.
▪️ Refrigerate unused ingredients promptly to maintain their quality.
Serving Size
This delicious Kale Salad with Dried Cranberry, Hazelnuts, and Sliced Apple serves 2-3 people as a side dish or 1-2 people as a main course. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome meal.
▪️ Serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ or potluck.
▪️ Add some crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
▪️ Drizzle honey on top for a touch of sweetness.
Variations
▪️ Swap hazelnuts for almonds or pecans.
▪️ Use pomegranate seeds instead of dried cranberries.
▪️ Try a different type of apple for a unique flavor.
Storage Tips
To keep your Kale Salad with Dried Cranberry, Hazelnuts, and Sliced Apple fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the apple slices just before serving to maintain their crispness. Enjoy the salad within two days for the best taste and texture. These simple storage tips ensure that your delicious salad stays delightful even after it’s made.
FAQs
Q. Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Yes, you can use spinach, arugula, or mixed greens if you prefer.
Q. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dressing and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Q. What other dressings work well with this salad?
Balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing are excellent alternatives.
Q. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.
Kale Hazelnut Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale stems removed and chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- Olive oil for the dressing
- Lemon juice for the dressing
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, then dry it thoroughly.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl.
- Massage the dressing into the kale for about 2-3 minutes to soften it.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries and roasted hazelnuts over the kale and gently toss.
- Lay the thinly sliced apple on top of the salad for a crisp contrast.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Massaging the kale makes it tender and less bitter.
- Customize with your preferred nuts or cheese.
- Start with a little dressing; you can always add more if needed.