Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego is one of those dishes that can truly brighten your table. Picture this: a fresh, vibrant salad that combines the crispness of kale with the sweetness of apples and the creamy richness of Manchego cheese. Sounds tempting, right? This salad is not just about looks—it’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a go-to for both quick weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Plus, it’s impressively easy to whip up! In just a few steps, you can create a dish that’s not only stunning but also bursting with textures and tastes. So, whether you’re looking to eat healthier or just want to impress your friends, this Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego is the way to go. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Why This Recipe Works
Kale salad has gained popularity for its robustness and nutritional benefits, making it an ideal base for diverse flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy almonds, sweet green apples, and rich Manchego cheese creates a delightful contrast that elevates this dish. Importantly, the dressing doesn’t merely enhance the flavor; it also tenderizes the kale. This makes each forkful enjoyable and ensures a pleasant eating experience.
Why You’ll Love This Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego
This Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The crispness of the kale, the sweetness of the apples, and the salty richness of the cheese make every bite a delightful experience. Not to mention, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Plus, the color contrast—deep greens with bright reds—will make your salad a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds!
Ingredients
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
-
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
-
Salad:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, chopped
- 1 large bunch kale, stem removed and leaves very thinly sliced
- 1 green apple, julienned
- 2/3 cup grated Manchego cheese (or Parmesan or Gruyere)
Preparing the Toasted Almonds
Heat the Cooking Oil
Begin by heating the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Toast the Almonds
Next, add the chopped almonds to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally until they achieve a golden brown color—this should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside. The toasting enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
Making the Dressing
Combine the Dressing Ingredients
In a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Shake or Whisk
Now, shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well blended, or whisk together in a bowl until emulsified. This dressing can beautifully elevate your Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego, so make sure it’s well mixed for the best taste!
Assembling the Salad
Massage the Kale
In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced kale. Pour about 1/4 of the dressing over the kale and use your hands to gently massage it into the leaves. This step is crucial, as it helps season and tenderize the kale. You’ll notice the leaves becoming softer and more flavorful.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Then, toss in the toasted almonds, julienned green apple, and grated Manchego cheese. These ingredients will provide varying flavors and textures that keep each bite interesting.
Dress to Your Liking
Slowly drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad while tossing gently. Combine everything until the salad is dressed to your preference. You can always add more dressing if you like it saucier!
Serve Immediately
Enjoy this vibrant Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego right after preparation for the best flavor and texture. It’s always a hit!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this kale salad alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or any main dish of your choice for a fulfilling meal. For an extra touch, it pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette or your favorite protein. Consider offering some crusty bread on the side to round out the meal.
Tips for Success
- Choose fresh, high-quality kale for optimal texture. Look for firm, dark green leaves.
- For a sweeter flavor, consider using a crunchy apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Experiment with different nuts or cheeses. Cashews or feta could bring new flavors to this already delightful salad.
Variations
- Protein Boost: For those who want a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Seasonal Twist: Change things up by using seasonal fruits like ripe pears or pomegranate seeds. They would add lovely color and taste!
- Vegan Option: If you’re vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based cheese alternative. The flavor will still shine.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the kale will continue to soften, so enjoy leftovers as soon as possible for the best texture. If you have leftover dressing, keep it in the fridge to use in future salads or marinades.
Pairing Ideas
This kale salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Grilled salmon for a light and healthy meal.
- Roasted chicken to complement the crispness of the salad.
- Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry for a hearty, plant-based option.
- Pasta with a light garlic and olive oil sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this kale salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store the dressing separately. Just combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
2. What type of kale is best for this recipe?
Both curly-leaf and Tuscan kale work well, thanks to their texture and ability to hold dressing nicely.
3. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
All ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, ensuring suitability for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Manchego with Parmesan or Gruyere as per your preference.
5. How do I keep this salad fresh?
To maintain freshness, store the salad undressed in the refrigerator. Dress only the amount you plan to eat right away.
This Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego is not only a delightful addition to any meal but also a simple way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the harmonization of flavors with each delightful bite!
Print
Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego
This Kale Salad with Apples and Manchego combines the crispness of kale, sweetness of apples, and rich cheese for a delightful and healthy dish. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy days or festive occasions, and sure to impress guests with its vibrant flavors and textures.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, chopped
- 1 large bunch kale, stem removed and leaves very thinly sliced
- 1 green apple, julienned
- 2/3 cup grated Manchego cheese
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped almonds and toast until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- In a jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until blended.
- In a large bowl, add kale and pour 1/4 of the dressing over it. Massage the kale to tenderize.
- Add toasted almonds, julienned apple, and grated Manchego cheese to the kale.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh, high-quality kale for the best texture.
For a sweeter flavor, choose Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 10
