Save to Pinterest Elevate your salad game with this Warm Kale Salad With Maple Mustard Dressing. This American-style dish transforms hearty curly kale into a tender, vibrant base using a simple massaging technique and a comforting maple-mustard glaze. It is the perfect easy vegetarian side dish that brings a touch of warmth and sophistication to any table, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Save to Pinterest This vibrant salad is more than just a side; it is a comforting experience. The combination of crunchy toasted pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and the zing of Dijon mustard creates a complex flavor profile that will impress your guests or family. Whether served as a light lunch or a dinner accompaniment, it is a healthy way to satisfy those cravings for something warm and nourishing.
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 cups, stems removed, leaves torn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Maple Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Massage Kale
- Place the kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2–3 minutes until it becomes vibrant green and tender.
- Step 2: Prepare Warm Dressing
- In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Once combined and just warm, slowly whisk in the 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Pour the warm maple mustard dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Step 4: Add Toppings
- Add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans or walnuts, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while the dressing is still warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, use a Chefs knife and cutting board to remove the tough kale stems before massaging. A whisk is essential to properly emulsify the dressing in the small saucepan. If you are using walnuts or pecans, toasting them slightly before chopping will enhance their natural oils and crunch.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan option, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. If you have a nut allergy, toasted pumpkin seeds are an excellent substitute for pecans. You can also add roasted butternut squash or sliced apples for extra seasonal flavor. If you prefer a different green, baby spinach works well; just remember to skip the massaging step for spinach as it is already tender.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs beautifully with protein-rich mains like grilled chicken or roasted salmon. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to a holiday roast or a simple bowl of soup. Serve it immediately while warm to fully appreciate the contrast between the tender greens and the toasted nuts.
Save to Pinterest With approximately 245 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. It provides 23 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of protein, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. Enjoy this simple yet elegant salad at your next gathering or as a cozy weeknight treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why do you massage kale?
Massaging kale breaks down the tough cell walls, transforming the leaves from bitter and fibrous to silky, tender, and sweet. The friction helps the olive oil and salt penetrate, making the kale more digestible and pleasant to eat raw.
- → Can I make this ahead?
The dressed kale holds up well for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, though it's best served warm. Store toppings separately and add toasted nuts just before serving to maintain crunch. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight.
- → What can I substitute for kale?
Baby spinach works well—just skip the massaging step since it's naturally tender. Swiss chard or sturdy greens like collards would need similar massaging treatment. Arugula adds a peppery kick but wilts faster.
- → Is the warm dressing necessary?
Warming the dressing helps it emulsify better and coat the kale more evenly. The gentle heat also slightly wilts the massaged leaves, making them more tender. However, room temperature works if you're pressed for time.
- → How do I make this vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based crumble alternative. The maple-mustard glaze and remaining toppings are naturally vegan. Nutritional yeast could also add a cheesy, savory element if desired.
- → What protein pairs well?
Grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or hard-boiled eggs complement the sweet-tangy flavors beautifully. For plant-based protein, try adding quinoa, chickpeas, or hemp seeds directly into the salad.