One of my favourite parts of summer is having an abundance of fresh produce to work with..when the rabbits haven’t gotten there first. Between the garden and local farm stands, we’re always looking for new ways to use up all those fresh fruits and vegetables while getting more greens onto our plates.
Now, I’ll admit something… my kids still aren’t salad fans. And if I’m being completely honest, most plain green salads don’t exactly excite me either. If I’m going to eat a salad, I want it to be packed with flavour, texture, and enough satisfying ingredients that it actually feels like a meal, not an obligation.
That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Apple Walnut Kale Salad.
Every bite is a little different. The kale becomes tender after a quick massage with a simple lemon dressing, crisp apples add sweetness and crunch, toasted walnuts bring richness, and homemade vegan parmesan ties everything together with a savoury finish. It’s one of those salads that’s so full of contrasting flavours and textures that you find yourself going back for another forkful before you’ve even finished the first.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients too. Kale is often considered one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens, providing vitamins A, C, and K along with antioxidants that support overall health. Walnuts are a wonderful source of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and add plant-based protein and fibre to help make this salad more filling. Apples contribute natural sweetness, fibre, and vitamin C, while extra virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that also help your body absorb some of the fat-soluble vitamins found in the kale.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s elegant enough to serve alongside a holiday dinner, yet simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight when you need something fresh and nourishing. Thanks to the walnuts and vegan parmesan, it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a light main course while still making an impressive side dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues.
Best of all, it comes together in about 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best, and this one has become a favourite in our house whenever we’re craving something fresh that doesn’t sacrifice flavour.
If you’ve been searching for a kale salad that actually feels exciting to eat, I hope you’ll give this one a try. It just might change your mind about salads, too.
Apple Walnut Kale Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ½ lemon fresh squeezed (1.5-2tbsp juice)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Main Salad
- 1 large bunch kale well chopped
- 2 large apples finely chopped (I used Red Prince, but any crisp apple will work (HoneyCrisp, Cosmic Crisp, etc.))
- ½ cup walnuts finely chopped
- ½ cup vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk all dressing ingredients together thoroughly.
- Add the chopped kale to a large mixing or salad serving bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the kale. With clean hands, massage/knead the kale with dressing for about 1 minute to soften it and coat evenly with the dressing.
- Add in the chopped apple, walnut and vegan parmesan. Mix well to disperse evenly throughout the salad.
- Serve and enjoy!
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