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Cozy Harvest Fall Salad with Easy Maple Vinaigrette

cozy harvest fall salad - featured image
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A quick and easy fall salad with massaged kale, crisp apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy feta, all tossed in a sweet-tart maple vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, weeknights, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups)
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare the kale: Wash the kale thoroughly and pat dry. Remove the tough stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it turns darker green and feels tender.
  3. Make the maple vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified and creamy, or shake in a sealed jar for 15-20 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Assemble the salad: Add the sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the massaged kale. Pour about half the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed.
  5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve immediately or let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Massaging the kale is essential for tenderness. Toast pecans until fragrant but watch closely to avoid burning. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. For best results, let the dressed salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Store dressing separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, harvest salad, kale salad, maple vinaigrette, easy salad, potluck salad, Thanksgiving salad

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-harvest-fall-salad-with-easy-maple-vinaigrette/