Winter Kale Cranberries Salad (Printable Version)

Nutrient-packed kale tossed with dried cranberries, nuts, apple, and tangy citrus dressing, perfect for winter.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves finely chopped (approx. 7 oz)

→ Fruits & Extras

02 - ½ cup dried cranberries
03 - 1 medium apple, diced
04 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
05 - ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1–2 minutes until tender and slightly darkened.
02 - Add the dried cranberries, diced apple, feta cheese if using, toasted nuts, and sliced red onion to the bowl with kale.
03 - In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat thoroughly.
05 - Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It actually tastes good cold, so you can prep it without the salad turning sad by dinner.
  • The kale gets genuinely tender when you massage it, not chewy or bitter like people think it has to be.
  • One bowl covers sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy without ever feeling complicated.
02 -
  • Massage the kale before dressing it—this step is non-negotiable and transforms the whole texture.
  • Don't dress it too far ahead or the kale will wilt completely, but a little sitting time actually improves the flavor.
  • Taste the dressing on its own before mixing it in; it should be punchy enough that you notice it immediately.
03 -
  • Buy kale a day or two before you plan to use it—it's sweeter and easier to work with when it's not brand new.
  • Toasting your own nuts takes five minutes and makes a difference you can actually taste.

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