Description
A crisp, flavorful salad that combines sweet apples, savory cheddar crisps, and tender kale, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium red apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for crisps)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly candied
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place small mounds of shredded cheddar. Bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, massage chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Add sliced apples and candied almonds to the kale.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Top with cheddar crisps right before serving.
Notes
- Massage the kale well to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Chill apples before slicing for extra crunch.
- Add cheddar crisps at the end to maintain their crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: apple salad, cheddar salad, kale salad, honey mustard dressing, fall salad, healthy lunch