Holiday Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Holiday Kale Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together crisp kale, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. It’s quick to prepare and makes a perfect festive side or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the kale thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Massage the kale with a little olive oil before assembling to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
- Swap out feta for goat cheese for a creamier salad.
- Add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a tangier dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crispness. When ready to eat, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and may wilt if stored too long.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of regular kale?
Yes, baby kale works well and has a milder flavor. It also requires less chopping and tends to be less tough.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but it’s best to store the dressing separately and combine just before eating to prevent the kale from becoming soggy.
PrintHoliday Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
This Holiday Kale Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for festive occasions or a healthy everyday meal. Packed with nutrient-rich kale, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, it balances flavors and textures beautifully. The simple honey apple cider vinegar dressing enhances its freshness, making it an easy and delicious salad to enjoy year-round.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Wash the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped kale, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese until evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the kale mixture and toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the kale to soften slightly, enhancing the overall taste and texture before serving.
Notes
- Massage the kale lightly after chopping to make it more tender and easier to eat.
- For added crunch, consider toasting the sunflower seeds before mixing them in.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Adjust honey quantity for a sweeter or more tangy dressing according to taste.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or omit cheese for a vegan option.
Keywords: kale salad, holiday salad, healthy salad, crunchy salad, kale crunch, dried cranberries salad, easy salad dressing
