Warm Kale Maple Mustard Dressing

Experience the ultimate cozy salad with this Warm Kale Salad featuring a savory-sweet maple mustard dressing. This dish transforms simple curly kale into a vibrant, tender base that is perfectly balanced by the crunch of toasted nuts and the tart sweetness of dried cranberries.

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Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner side or a sophisticated addition to a holiday spread, this salad offers a comforting warmth that pairs exceptionally well with various proteins or roasted autumn vegetables.

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

1. Massage 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.

2. Prepare 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.

3. Dress the salad

Pour the warm maple mustard dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat thoroughly.

4. Add toppings

Add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans or walnuts, and sliced red onion. Toss gently.

5. Finish 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

Massaging the kale is a crucial step to break down the tough fibers, ensuring the leaves are soft rather than chewy. When making the dressing, keep the heat low to prevent the maple syrup from scorching while you emulsify the olive oil.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also experiment with flavor by adding roasted butternut squash or sliced apples, or swap the kale for baby spinach if you prefer to skip the massaging step.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is best served immediately while the dressing is still warm. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete, protein-rich meal. For nut allergies, substitute the pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds.

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With its combination of earthy greens, savory glaze, and sweet accents, this Warm Kale Salad is sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe rotation. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite!

Questions & Answers

→ Why do you massage the kale?

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

→ Can I make this ahead?

The dressed kale is best served warm, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Store washed kale, toasted nuts, and dressing separately, then warm the dressing and assemble when ready to serve.

→ What makes this dish warming?

The maple-mustard dressing is gently warmed on the stove before coating the kale, creating a comforting temperature contrast. The toasted nuts also add warmth and texture to each bite.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely. Walnuts work equally well, or try toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just ensure they're toasted to bring out their natural oils and crunch.

→ Is this served hot or cold?

This shines when served slightly warm, allowing the dressing to soften the kale while maintaining the nuts' crunch. However, it's also delicious at room temperature for potlucks or packed lunches.

→ What protein pairs well?

Grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or crispy chickpeas complement the sweet-tangy flavors beautifully. The feta also provides a protein boost if you include it.