Happy 2015!!! Kinda hard to believe 2014 is actually over already. 2014 was a great year though and I have even higher hopes for 2015. So, now that it is the new year it is time to put those cookies away and break out the kale!
Ok, maybe you don’t have to put all of the cookies away, but you should totally break that kale out. I’m actually kinda relieved that the holidays are over because healthy foods, like this salad, are much more in my wheelhouse than holiday foods like cookies and cakes. Don’t get me wrong, I do still like to eat them, but when it comes to cooking I’m much more likely to whip up a salad than a sweet treat.
I have a lot in common with this kale salad. Just as I need a good massage to loosen up and get rid of some of my bitterness, this kale needs to be massaged as well. I think a lot of people don’t like kale because they haven’t had it prepared correctly. Kale can be really tough and a little bit bitter if you don’t give it a little love. You can easily get a nice taste and texture when you saute or roast it, but if you want a fresh kale salad it is important that you get your hands in there and do a little massaging. It works best when you add the dressing to the salad first because that helps break it down and loosen it up a little.
If you are looking for some healthier eats in the new year, this Refreshing Kale Salad with Apples is a perfect way to start things out. I want to wish everyone a really great 2015!
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Refreshing Kale Salad with Apples
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 bunch purple or regular kale, torn into small pieces, about 8 cups
- 1 red apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan shards
- 1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts
Apple Cider and Maple Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the dressing ingredients into a medium sized bowl and whisk until combined.
- Place the kale into a large bowl and pour dressing over. Using your hands, gently massage the kale and dressing until the kale softens a little bit, 1-2 mintues.
- Add the sliced apples, Parmesan shards, and toasted walnuts and mix until combined.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad, Gluten Free
I really think that kale is the best thing to have in a salad. I really love the texture and the dressing sticks to it really well.
Going to pin this š
Me too, Dannii! The texture used to be the thing I hated most about kale, but now I love it! Perfect for a hearty salad š
I love kale, but I’ve never massaged it! I need to try that. I am up for more healthy food and this is right up my alley!
You should totally massage it, Marcie! It makes it so much better and it soaks up all the dressing better too!
this looks so good!! Healthy and nourishing!! All about that! š ..and good for you for starting the year out right! …also, it’s so cute how you compare yourself to kale! haha š
Thanks Cailee! Haha, except the kale got its massage and I am still waiting for mine!! I hope your New Year is off to a great start š
YUM! This is just the detox salad I need in my life š
You so need it in your life right now!! You won’t regret it š
Just love these kind of salad. Crisp apples and walnuts are perfect additions to kale. Also your dressing sounds great – I haven’t tried adding maple syrup in a dressing before – I usually add honey – but will be trying maple syrup next time.
Hi Geraldine! I love salads like this too! I usually make a big batch and eat it for days! I started using maple syrup in place of honey a while ago and I’m loving it! I hope you enjoy it too š
Looks delicious, Izzy! I definitely know what you mean about needing a break from holiday foods. After all those sweets and heavier foods, I end up craving salads like this one! I hope your 2015 is off to a great start!
Thank you, Julia! I guess that is why New Years and resolution time is right after the holidays, we all need a good excuse to eat healthier! I hope you are having a great 2015 as well, Julia š
This kale salad looks wonderful, Izzy! I recently just tried kale for the first time (I know, where have I been?!) so I can’t wait to try it in salads. Love the apples in here, too. So light and tasty!
Haha, I didn’t start eating kale until a few years ago, so no judgment here! And I didn’t actually start liking it until a while after that š The apples, walnuts, and cheese definitely help make this salad awesome š
Happy New Year, Izzy! I am so ready to see more salads and greens too since those are my favorite. Love kale salads, this one looks so delicious and refreshing with the apples and toasted walnuts!
Thank you, Kelly! Happy New Year to you too! I did just sneak some chocolate, but besides that I’m ready for more salads in my life too š
Happy New Year! I have to say that I haven’t had a lot of experience or success with kale. The one time I put it in a recipe it was a little too tough if I’m honest. Sooo … looks like I need to get massaging!
That dressing really sounds like a stunner!
Yes! You totally need to get to massaging it! It helps so much and really makes it soak up all the dressing! And trust me, you want all of this dressing you can get š
This salad looks so good and that dressing sounds amazing! I love to combine apple cider vinegar and maple syrup in a dressing.
Thanks Christin! I love the dressing too! I’ve been making it almost everyday lately!
I’m so ready for all the healthy recipes! It’s actually one of the reasons I love January so much – my kind of regular food, ya know? Love seeing what everyone comes up with!
This salad looks deeelicious! I need to grab some kale next time at the store.
Me too! I love the sweets, but I definitely can’t survive on them! I’m excited to see all the savory winter recipes too š
This salad looks amazingly good, Izzy! Love the kale, one of my favourite seasonal veggies! Happy New Year!
Thank you Jess! It is one of mine too! Happy New Year to you š
Kale is a must in salads in my opinion. I just think that it takes on the flavour of dressings really well and it gives a nice texture that is missing from lettuce.
I agree, Dannii! I love the texture too, it is so filling and versatile š
Mmm, a good massaged kale salad is hard to beat, isn’t it. And it’s kind of fun to prepare too. The walnuts, apples and parm combination is looking especially delicious here. Hope you have a lovely start to 2015 Izzy!
Isn’t it??! I love getting my hands dirty while cooking, it makes me feel like I’ve done something! I hope you are having a great 2015 so far too, Katie!
We’re on the same brain wave again! I’ll be posting a kale salad next! hehe!! It is soooo good and refreshing. I agree, massaging is key to a tender delicious kale salad.
So happy to see you on IG! HNY Izzy!!
I’m not surprised at all that we are on the same wave length, Traci!! I’m so excited to be in IG! Now I can keep up with all you great photos a little better š Have a great weekend! š
Definitely bring on ALL the kale and ALL the salads! This seriously looks so light and gorgeous, Izzy! Love the apples and the sound of that dressing!
P.S. Welcome to IG, girl!!
Thank you, Sarah!! I agree, please bring on ALL the salads!!
You’ve got me craving a kale salad now! Your apple cider and maple dressing sounds delish, and I love the fresh apples on this salad. Happy New Year!
Totally agree! Happy New Year Izzy! Beautiful salad (but I wouldn’t expect anything else). Ready to indulge in healthy food. And sweet potatoes of course =)
Happy New Year, Laura! Aww, thank you so much! I just realized that I prepared three sweet potato recipes in a row so now I’m trying to come up with a few others to break things up! I guess I’m just obsessed š
There are definitely worse things we could be craving! This is one of my new favorite dressings and I have been putting it on everything! Now go get you a big kale salad š