I always feel tender around the transition of seasons, craving flavors that are simple and soothing rather than the bright, pungent tastes of summer. This kale salad is all of that and more—an easy lunch or accompaniment to dinner that delivers balanced flavor and plant-based fuel.
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The apples and honey vinaigrette is ideal for Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) celebrations, as those symbolic foods uniting to usher in sweetness and possibility. Share this salad with friends to initiate a ritual for all the good to come, or take a moment to make it for yourself and reflect on your own most tender wishes.

Related: A Sweet Charoset Recipe

Apples and honey. Black pepper and walnuts. Apple cider vinegar and mustard. Fresh kale. Creamy goat’s cheese. And of course, feel free to make the salad your own, adding any ingredients that summon new life in your heart and mind.

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Ingredients

Black Pepper Toasted Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup raw walnut pieces
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky or kosher sea salt
  • 2 generous pinches freshly cracked pepper, more to taste
Apples and Honey Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon stoneground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • cracked pepper, to taste
Salad
  • 4 1/2 cups roughly chopped washed and stemmed kale
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced apple
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425ºF and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay walnuts in a flat layer on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat thoroughly. Bake for 2-4 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning. Remove when golden brown. Let cool completely.
  2.  Whisk together all salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Place chopped kale in a large bowl and pour dressing over. Massage leaves with your hands to tenderize for 15-30 seconds. Top with apple slices, goat cheese, and black pepper walnuts.

Nutritional Information

Calories
452
Total Fat
33.3g
Saturated Fat
5.9g
Cholesterol
15mg
Sodium
698mg
Carbohydrates
28g
Dietary Fiber
5.3g
Sugars
8g
Protein
16.8g
YIELD:

2 servings