Warm Kale Salad Maple Mustard (Printable Version)

Tender massaged kale with warm maple-mustard glaze, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries creates a vibrant comforting bowl in just 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad Components

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and 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

# Directions:

01 - Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the leaves become 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 warmed through, slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Remove from heat.
03 - Pour the warm maple mustard dressing over the massaged kale. Toss thoroughly to coat all leaves evenly.
04 - Add dried cranberries, toasted pecans or walnuts, and sliced red onion to the dressed kale. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately while the dressing is still warm for best flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The warm dressing softens the kale perfectly without any cooking needed
  • That maple mustard combination hits every flavor note, sweet tangy and rich
  • It comes together faster than delivery and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
  • The massaging step is not optional, it is what transforms kale from edible to incredible
  • Warm the dressing gently, you want it hot enough to wilt the kale slightly but not boiling
  • This salad does not keep well with the dressing on, so only dress what you will eat right away
03 -
  • Use your hands for everything, massaging kale and tossing dressed salad works better with your fingers than tongs
  • Taste a kale leaf after massaging, if it still feels tough, keep going until it yields easily
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