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This salad is healthy, fresh and utterly delicious. If you look those words up in the dictionary, you'd see a picture of this salad!
As I sat at my computer and began writing this post, I pondered what to call this wonderful salad. I thought of three or four different names, but honestly, they all sounded so boring for such a crazy-delicious salad. Such a dilemma, right? So, you're just gonna have to trust me on this one!
Do you ever stand in the produce section at the grocery store and struggle to find a bunch or bag of something green that looks even remotely fresh? I'm in that situation quite frequently, especially at this time of year. Everything looks sort of wilted, wimpy or just plain unappetizing! And I find that, even if it's just starting to wilt or get wet, by the time I get ready to use it a day or two later, it's way past prime!
You probably look right past the big bag (or bunch) of curly kale. You'll find it at most stores, though it doesn't attract much attention. To me, it just might be one of the most frequently overlooked treasures at the grocery store. It's a sturdy green and doesn't seem to have much issue with getting wilty or wimpy (unless the store has a VERY slow turnover), so it's usually a sure bet for a fresh, healthy salad.
It took me a while to get into kale. I used it in soups and stews but otherwise, not so much. It definitely wasn't a go-to for fresh salads. All that changed a number of years ago when kale began to gain lots of popularity as a "super food". Super food is just a fancy term for foods that are nutrient dense, packing large amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, fiber and minerals, and kale seems to lead the pack in all of these categories.
I decided to incorporate more kale into our diet, but I have to admit, I wasn't super crazy about it. I learned to "massage" the kale to make it more tender. That helped, and we started enjoying more kale salads. But in the past year I've learned that just slicing it into super thin ribbons is all that's needed to, almost magically, tenderize and enhance the kale.
We enjoy lots of kale salads these days and right now, this Kale and Apple Salad is at the top of our favorites list. It's fresh, delicious and so easy to put together; just slice up a pile of kale, dice an apple and shake together a flavorful dressing in a little jar. Toss it all together, then a sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes if off, perfectly complimenting the sweet and spicy, Asian-inspired dressing.
I love that this simple salad goes with so many different entrees. We've enjoyed it with pizza, wings, chicken and salmon, as well as just on it's own. It would be a great way to brighten and freshen what I call, winter comfort food meals; soups, casseroles, stews, etc.
Kale is such a hearty green that the salad can be made up to a day in advance without wilting issues.
The dressing keeps the apples from discoloring and softening. Because the salad keeps so well, leftovers make a delicious and healthy lunch option.
Try this Kale and Apple Salad with Honey Ginger Dressing! It's so... good! It's bound to become a repeat performer at your house too. And if you come up with a better name, send it my way!
- For the dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped or grated fresh ginger if you're in a pinch, this fresh ginger in a tube works great
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili garlic sauce*
- ½ cup sunflower oil or other neutral flavored oil
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- For the salad:
- 6 ounces kale from a bag or bunch
- 2 medium red delicious apples
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
-
For the salad dressing, combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake well.
-
For the salad, remove any stems and tough ribs from the kale. Bunch the kale up on a cutting board and, with a sharp knife, cut into very thin ribbons. Cut through the ribbons crosswise to make small pieces of kale. Place kale in a medium size serving bowl.
-
Core apples (don't peel) and dice into small pieces (about ⅓-1/2-inch size). Add apple to bowl with kale and toss.
-
Drizzle salad with about ¼ cup of the dressing. Toss to coat everything with the dressing. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds and toss one more time. Serve extra dressing at the table.
* Chile garlic sauce can be found in the Asian section at most larger grocers. If you have Sriracha sauce you could substitute 1-2 teaspoons of that along with a clove of minced garlic.
Sandra says
You have surely elevated the lowly kale into something beautiful and tasty. Once again you have be thinking beyond smoothies and green drinks for this vegetable.
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
WOW - that salad looks divine! I must make this really soon. Hope you are doing well. Cheers!
Chris Scheuer says
We are Lisa! Just made it through the "blizzard of '16"! Although, down here in North Carolina, it wasn't much of a blizzard! Half of the snow is already melted!
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
You do the most gorgeous salads! Manservant is still not so into kale-he is still stuck on spinach- but I like that kale salads usually keep overnight in the fridge without going limp. Can't wait to try this one as I'm really feeling the need for something healthy! Thanks Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Abbe, you are so sweet! Maybe you'll win him over yet!
Debra Eliotseats says
I totally do trust you! This dressing sounds so wonderful. Love the chopped apple in this as well. I would eat this on its own!!!! (Kale holds up so well that sometimes when I have leftover salad that is already dressed I just stick it back in the fridge and toss it with rice, quinoa, or some other grainy stuff for lunch the next day.) Thanks for another great recipe, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
You're very welcome Debra! It's just such a versatile leafy veggie, that can sometimes get a bad rap!
Adina says
Looks absolutely perfect and I love the dressing, I have to try that, something different to what I normally make.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you so much Adina! You're gracious comments are always welcome!
Brooks says
Chris, I'm always looking for a way to get a variety of fresh greens on the table, and together with the dressing, I'm confident the kids will dive right in. Great recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Brooks! You're doing such a great job, exposing them to really healthy foods while they're still young! We always told our kids, "You don't have to eat a lot, but you need to try a little, and it paid off!"
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Your salads are always so picture perfect Chris --- and I really need to get massaging my kale, I've never done that!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Sue! It really makes a delicious different, but so does cutting it thin.
Muna Kenny says
Hi Chris! I love how fresh all your ingredients look. I'm not crazy about kale but want to try your recipe, the combination of the salad plus the dressing sounds yummm!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Muna! It really is worth a try!
Easyfoodsmith says
Lovely salad with an amazing dressing. I have yet to try kale and I will keep in mind those tips that you shared.
Chris Scheuer says
It really grows on you, the more you mix it with other good ingredients!
Canada Jannie says
This salad was Applsolutely Kaleicious. I loved the dressing too. I added some leftover chicken thigh cut into cubes to it ad it made a very satisfying lunch. Thank you from Canada for a great salad that I will make often with that bothersome kale I keep trying to eat. Love, love, love your website!
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, thanks so much Jannie! And welcome! Stay warm up there!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Delightful! I love both salad, dressing and the photos. Thanks for sharing, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome Angie! It's such a great changeup for this time of year!
Pondside says
This sounds so crisp and fresh.
Our dollar is so low these days that one has to consider carefully what greens to bring home. Kale makes sense because there is little waste.
Chris Scheuer says
That's so true!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I love kale salads and this one looks perfect! I will definitely be trying your tip about cutting the kale into ribbons (I'm tired of massaging my kale 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
It works really well Jennifer!
Liz says
I'm going to try slicing kale into very thin ribbons---great tip! If Bill doesn't ask what it is, he might actually take a bite and like a kale salad 🙂 Sometimes he's just a big kid !
Chris Scheuer says
I'm with ya, Liz! Scott always said he loved teaching elementary school kids because he was just a big kid too!
Diane (Created by Diane) says
This salad looks amazing and I bet it's equally delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
It is Diane, it is!
Kate says
This is a great way to use up some of the kale that we are getting in the veggie box! Love the crunch of the apple in a salad....the dressing sounds yummy!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Kate, I think you'll enjoy it!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I'm loving that honey ginger dressing, what a great looking salad!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Laura! It's fun to eat, and you know you're doing something good for your body too!
pam coles says
how about kapple salad with honger dressing
Chris Scheuer says
Pam, you crack me up - love it!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Love nutritious,. light dishes like this.
Chris Scheuer says
We do too Denise!
Wendy says
I had lots of failed kale salads and had just about given up on raw kale when I happened upon a chopped kale salad at a restaurant that was so delicious I had to run home and duplicate it! I am excited to try your version. The sesame seeds o will be a welcome flavor change to the salads I usually make, and the dressing sounds great!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Wendy, enjoy!
Tricia says
I am craving Kale now! This is a beautiful salad and I bet the apple/kale combo is great. I also love this dressing - the color and ingredients are all wonderful. Thank you Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
You're very welcome Tricia! It is a super combo!
Katie Epp says
Your recipes ALWAYS look so yummy! Do you have a suggestion for a replacement for the chili garlic sauce? I already have so many bottles/jars of condiments and sauces in my fridge that I only need a little bit of for this sauce or that dressing. Hoping not to have to add another one, lol!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Katie, you could use 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce and a clove of garlic.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Chris, I found myself in your position often too - the greens have been a bit wilted but the fresh unbagged kale is usually just fine like you pointed out. I adore kale so I know I will adore this salad - especially with that honey ginger dressing
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Shashi The dressing is so good, really tasty!
Monique says
PS I sometimes wonder if I should just super chop it like Tabouleh parsley..kale is very tough..and I don't always feel like massaging it:)
Fran says
Try lacianato kale if you could find it - big difference for taste and texture of kale - especially eaten raw!!! Can't wait to try this salad, I love the asian dressing also and this sounds really good too!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Fran, I will look for that.
Chris Scheuer says
That's kind of like what I did Monique!
Monique says
I favor the Asian sesame seed dressing you shared with us..I betcha I'll love this one as much!
Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
That is a really good one too Monique!