We’re so prepared for fall over right here and to kick it off I’m right here to deliver you one thing tremendous contemporary and bursting with a mixture of candy, tangy and salty flavors. AKA a scrumptious taste explosion you gained’t be capable of get sufficient of.
Kale salad recipes, in my view, get a nasty rap, however this brussels sprouts kale apple salad has crisp greens, juicy honeycrisp apples, tangy & creamy gorgonzola cheese, and a crunchy nut & seed combination. Take all of that, toss it in a light-weight, completely candy maple cider dressing and also you’ve bought your self a rattling good fall and winter salad.
Not solely is that this salad a beautiful meal prep lunch, nevertheless it’s additionally the proper aspect dish for the vacations (sure, we’re excited about Thanksgiving already!)
Give this beautiful salad a strive the following time you want some lunch inspo, and be at liberty to customise it with completely different proteins and fall produce! You’ll make this one time and again, promise.
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All the pieces you’ll must make this brussels sprouts kale apple salad
This deliciously crunchy kale apple salad is filled with all the textures and flavors you crave. Candy, tangy, salty and oh-so addicting. Plus, kale is a superfood, so this salad is additional particular. Right here’s every part you’ll must make it:
- For the dressing: we’re utilizing a light-weight, candy & tangy maple cider French dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, pure maple syrup, grainy dijon mustard, salt & pepper.
- For the salad: you’ll want brussels sprouts, kale, pink or inexperienced cabbage, apples (I like honeycrisp one of the best!), pink onion, dried cranberries or cherries and tangy gorgonzola crumbles.
- For the nut & seed crunch: we’re making a candy and salty topping with pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup and salt. SO GOOD.
Straightforward methods to customise
You may really make this brussels sprouts kale apple salad your individual with some easy components swaps. Right here’s what we propose:
- Select the cheese. In the event you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, be at liberty to make use of goat cheese, feta cheese, shredded parmesan and even white cheddar cheese. They are going to all nonetheless be scrumptious.
- Select your fruit. I like utilizing honey crisp apples however fuji, pink girl, and so forth. work simply as nicely. Pears would even be excellent on this salad! They are going to break down extra within the salad, so if you happen to use them it’s greatest to eat the salad instantly. I additionally suppose pomegranate seeds can be stunning within the salad.
- Make it vegan and/or paleo. Merely miss the cheese.
- Go nut free. You too can use additional pumpkin seeds as a substitute of pecans. Straightforward!
Add a lovely seasonal twist
This brussels sprouts kale apple salad would even be superb with diced, roasted butternut squash or candy potatoes. About 2 cups ought to do the trick — make sure to try our information for roasting one of the best butternut squash right here!
Trying so as to add a lift of protein?
With the nuts and cheese included on this kale apple salad you’ll truly get nearly 9g of protein per serving, however cooked, chopped hen breast, roasted chickpeas and even bacon can be a scrumptious approach so as to add much more protein! Bonus factors if you happen to double the dressing and use it as a marinade for the hen. YUM.
You may additionally preserve it vegetarian by including a can of chickpeas or by utilizing roasted chickpeas.
Ideas for utilizing kale in salads
Uncooked kale leaves are a lot harder than a leafy inexperienced like spinach, so don’t overlook the following tips for making kale salads:
- Chop it small. You should definitely chop it very finely in order that the bites aren’t too massive. Use a pointy knife or salad chopper, or pulse the kale just a few instances in a meals processor.
- Therapeutic massage it. Add the maple cider dressing to your bowl with the kale, brussels sprouts & cabbage first and toss all of it collectively very well. You may even do that together with your arms and “therapeutic massage” the dressing in in order that all the kale and crunchy veggies are nicely coated.
- Let it marinate. You’ll then need to let the dressed kale, brussels sprouts and cabbage sit for a bit (when you make the nut & seed combination) in order that the veggies take in all the taste.
The very best methods to shred brussels sprouts
Together with finely chopping up your kale, you’ll additionally must shred all of these brussels sprouts. Listed below are 3 simple methods to do it:
- Use a meals processor: trim the small stem off of the brussels sprouts and add them to your meals processor a couple of handful or so at a time. Use the slicing attachment in your meals processor and pulse till they’re good and shredded.
- Use a field grater: you’ll be able to shred your brussels sprouts in opposition to a field grater on the aspect with the biggest holes. I’d counsel spraying the grater with a little bit of cooking spray in order that the sprouts simply glide in opposition to the grater.
- Shred them with a knife: that is the strategy I usually use, and when you get the hold of it it’s going to go fairly shortly. Utilizing a pointy knife reduce the stem off of your brussels sprouts after which reduce them in half lengthwise. Then, with every half laying flat aspect down, chop your brussels sprouts into wonderful shreds. No want for them to be excellent!
Retailer this brussels sprouts apple salad for later
As a result of this salad is stuffed with crunchy veggies, it’s going to truly be scrumptious over the course of some days after it marinates within the dressing! Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4-5 days. The nuts will soften a bit over time, so if you happen to’re prepping this salad forward of time I’d advocate leaving the nut combination off till you’re able to serve.
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Get all of our scrumptious salad recipes right here!
I hope you’re keen on this crunchy brussels sprouts kale apple salad recipe! In the event you make it make sure to depart a remark and a score so I understand how you appreciated it. Get pleasure from, xo!
Brussels Sprouts Kale Honeycrisp Apple Salad with Maple Cider Dressing
Candy & crunchy brussels sprouts kale apple salad with a light-weight maple cider dressing. This stunning, fall-inspired kale apple salad has fantastic flavors and textures from tangy gorgonzola, dried cranberries and a pecan pumpkin seed crunch combination. Benefit from the excellent lunch or aspect dish all season lengthy!
Elements
- For the maple cider dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, relying on how candy you want your salad dressing
- 1 teaspoon grainy dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly floor black pepper
- For the salad:
- 8 ounces brussels sprouts, stems and outer yellow leaves eliminated
- 2 cups very finely chopped kale, stems eliminated
- 1 cup shredded pink or inexperienced cabbage
- 2 medium-large honeycrisp apples, sliced
- ¼ of a pink onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (or sub dried cherries)
- 1/3 cup gorgonzola crumbles*
- For the salted pecan pumpkin seed crunch:
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the components for the dressing: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and freshly floor black pepper. Style and add slightly extra maple syrup if you happen to like a sweeter dressing.
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Subsequent, shred your brussels sprouts: shave the brussels sprouts by utilizing a meals processor with the slicing attachment and pulse till the brussels sprouts are thinly sliced. In the event you don’t have a meals processor, be at liberty to make use of a pointy knife to thinly slice. Add shredded brussels sprouts to a big bowl.
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Within the massive bowl with the brussels sprouts, add the shredded kale and cabbage and pour dressing over. Use tongs or clear arms to combine every part collectively for 1-2 minutes. It could appear lengthy however this helps to interrupt down the kale and evenly distribute the flavour of the dressing. Enable it to take a seat and marinate when you make the pecan pumpkin seed crunch.
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To make the pumpkin pecan crunch: place pecans and pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium warmth. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring often till they flip barely golden brown and aromatic, then flip off warmth and instantly add in maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Stir for 30 extra seconds to coat, then switch to a plate or piece of parchment paper to chill for a couple of minutes. A number of the nuts will barely stick collectively however that is what we would like for the ‘nut crunch’ within the salad. Enable to chill for five minutes.
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Add the sliced apples, pink onion and dried cranberries/cherries and gorgonzola to the salad and toss to mix. Sprinkle the nut combination on high and toss once more. If you’re serving the salad later, I like to recommend leaving the nut combination out till you might be able to serve so it stays good and crunchy. Get pleasure from!
Recipe Notes
Including 2 cups of diced roasted butternut squash or candy potatoes to this salad is scrumptious!
Pears can be a superb sub for the apples. They are going to break down extra within the salad although so it’s greatest to eat instantly.
To make it vegan: miss the gorgonzola.
To make it nut free: use additional pumpkin seeds as a substitute of pecans.
Diet
Serving: 1serving (primarily based on 4)Energy: 401calCarbohydrates: 36.6gProtein: 8.6gFats: 27.5gSaturated Fats: 5.1gFiber: 7.3gSugar: 24.2g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Formidable Kitchen | Images by: Eat Love Eats
This submit was initially revealed on September eighth, 2021, republished on December nineteenth, 2022, and republished September nineteenth, 2023.
