Hellooo, fall! 🍁 There’s something so cozy and delicious about fall salads, and this Harvest Kale Salad is the perfect mix of all the season’s best flavors. Crunchy kale, sweet apples, creamy avocado, and toasted pecans come together to make one dreamy salad that’s as satisfying as it is vibrant!
Now let’s get into the magic! Kale is the star of the show here, packed with vitamins and minerals, and when you chop it into bite-sized pieces, it’s easier to eat and digest. (Pro tip: Massaging the kale with a tiny drizzle of olive oil helps soften those tough leaves!) Add juicy apples for that perfect fall sweetness, shredded carrots for a pop of color, and avocado because, well, avocado makes everything better, right?
Sciencey Salad Secrets 🌱✨
The dressing? Oh, it’s a game-changer! Here’s where things get a little sciency. The mix of lemon juice and red wine vinegar is a powerhouse of acidity. Acids like these help brighten up the flavors and soften the kale without wilting it into mush. Then there’s creamed honey—it brings a touch of sweetness and balances all that tanginess perfectly. But here’s the real kicker: the Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, which means it helps the oil and vinegar come together into a smooth, creamy dressing. Add a little soy sauce for umami, ginger for some zesty warmth, and you’ve got yourself one flavor-packed dressing!
The final touch? Toasted pecans and dried cranberries for crunch and a hint of tart sweetness, plus a sprinkle of creamy goat cheese for that tangy richness we all crave. This salad is not just pretty, it’s packed with textures, flavors, and nutrients to keep you feeling good!
Why you’ll love it:
- It’s loaded with veggies and lean protein (hello, shredded chicken!).
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner.
- It’s a celebration of all things fall—apples, cranberries, pecans, and more!
This Harvest Kale Salad is everything we love about fall, wrapped up in one big, beautiful bowl. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s going to be your new go-to salad for the season. Get your fork ready—fall has never tasted this good! 🍂
Harvest Kale Salad
Ingredients
1 bunch kale, washed and chopped to bite size pieces
1 apple, diced
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 avocado, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup of corn kernels, optional
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted pecan pieces
3 TBPS goat cheese, crumbled
- For the dressing:
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 TBSP red wine vinegar
1/4 cup creamed honey (regular honey will do)
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 TBSP fresh chopped basil)
zest of 1 lemon
1 inch knob of ginger, finely grated
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp sweet Paprika
1 shallot, finely minced
Directions
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a container with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Cover red onions with cold water and allow to sit for 10 minutes. This will take some of their pungency away. Rinse under cold water and rain before adding to the salad.
- Consider massaging the kale with a bit of oil. Pro tip: Massaging the kale with a tiny drizzle of olive oil helps soften those tough leaves!
- Combine all of the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over and toss until all of the ingredients are nicely coated. Season well with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
