Description
A deliciously crisp and savory kale salad featuring crunchy apples, smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing—perfect for a refreshing and nutrient-packed meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, julienned (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Kale
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and massage the leaves for 1-2 minutes until softened.
-
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
-
Assemble the Salad
- Add julienned apples, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, red onion, and pecans to the massaged kale.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
-
Serve & Enjoy
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve fresh as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Add the bacon and blue cheese just before serving for the best texture.
- Extra Crunch: Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an additional layer of texture.
- Dressing Alternative: Swap lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a richer, slightly sweeter dressing.
