Warm Kale Maple Mustard (Printable)

Tender massaged kale with warm maple-mustard glaze, toasted nuts, and cranberries for a vibrant comforting dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn (about 8 cups)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries
05 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Maple Mustard Dressing

08 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
09 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
10 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps:

01 - Place kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it becomes vibrant green and tender.
02 - 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 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Remove from heat.
03 - Pour the warm maple mustard dressing over the massaged kale and toss thoroughly to coat.
04 - Add dried cranberries, toasted pecans or walnuts, and sliced red onion to the kale. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Kale is packed with vitamins, and the addition of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts makes it a satisfying choice.
  • Quick Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Tender Texture: Massaging the kale removes the bitterness and creates a soft, enjoyable mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the warm dressing.
02 -
  • Emulsification: When making the dressing, add the olive oil very slowly while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Storage: While best served immediately, kale is a hardy green that won't wilt as quickly as lettuce, making leftovers surprisingly good the next day.
  • Allergen Safety: Always check labels on prepared ingredients like mustard to confirm they meet your gluten-free requirements.
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