Warm Kale Maple Mustard

This Warm Kale Salad With Maple Mustard Dressing is the ultimate comforting salad, blending tender massaged kale with a sweet and savory glaze. The combination of toasted nuts and tart dried cranberries creates a vibrant, multi-textured dish that is perfect for cozy autumn meals or a healthy weekday lunch.

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Massaging the kale is the secret to this recipe's success. By working the olive oil and salt into the leaves, you transform the tough texture into something wonderfully tender and easier to digest. Once the warm dressing hits the greens, the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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: Prepare the Kale

Place the 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.

Step 2: Make the 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 Greens

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.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When preparing the kale, ensure the stems are completely removed as they can be quite bitter and tough. If you are short on time, you can toast the nuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding them to the salad for an extra layer of depth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan option, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can add roasted butternut squash or sliced apples for extra flavor and seasonal flair. If you prefer a milder green, baby spinach is a great substitute, but be sure to skip the massaging step.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs excellently with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete protein-rich meal. It is best served immediately while the dressing is still warm to maintain the perfect texture and temperature contrast.

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This delicious American-style salad provides 245 calories per serving, with 15g of fat, 23g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein. Whether as a side or a light main course, it is a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal plan.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why massage the kale?

Massaging kale with olive oil and salt breaks down the tough cellulose fibers, transforming bitter, rigid leaves into tender, silky greens that absorb dressing beautifully.

→ Can I make this ahead?

The dressed kale holds up well for several hours in the refrigerator. Add nuts and cranberries just before serving to maintain their texture and crunch.

→ What nuts work best?

Toasted pecans bring buttery richness, while walnuts offer earthy depth. Both complement the sweet-tangy dressing beautifully. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.

→ Is served warm essential?

The warm dressing helps wilt the kale slightly and opens up its flavors. However, room temperature works wonderfully too—the flavors meld beautifully either way.

→ Can I use baby kale?

Baby kale is naturally tender, so skip the massaging step. Simply toss with dressing and toppings. The flavor will be milder than mature curly kale.

→ How do I make it vegan?

Omit the feta cheese or substitute with crumbled vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The remaining ingredients are entirely plant-based and naturally gluten-free.