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    Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing

    Published: May 8, 2020 Modified: Nov 24, 2022 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    kale and apple salad

    Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing is loaded with pistachios and pomegranate arils. It is fresh, seasonal, and easy to make but sure to impress.  {gluten free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, whole30}

    kale salad with apples and dressing on the side

    Looking for easy-peasy impressive side salads to mix up your salad game?  This Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing is a no brainer.  It is colorful, seasonal, and full of flavor. Even those kale haters will like this one.  

    Making homemade maple mustard dressing with pure maple syrup makes a difference.  Homemade dressing is so easy to make and it's way tastier than storebought.  Plus you can be sure that it's not full of sneaky additives and preservatives that you don't need.  

    dressing ingredients with dressing in a bowl and microplane on the side

    For this salad, I used baby kale which is more tender than curly or lacinato kale.  Baby kale works well in salads because it has a milder taste and it is more tender which makes it easier to eat raw.  No need to massage your kale here. Just throw it in the bowl just like you would any other lettuce.  

    Did you know that kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence?  That means it's low in calories but contains a healthy dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins A, K and C.  Anytime you can fit more greens into your day you are doing your body a world of good.  

    dressing being poured onto a kale salad

    Ingredients for the salad

    • baby kale - I prefer using baby kale in salads like this because it has a milder taste and more tender leaf that is easier to eat raw.  Plus it holds up well if you are making it ahead.
    • apple - I love the sweet flavor of Honeycrisp apples but any type of apple will work here.
    • pistachios - Nuts add some crunch to this salad.  Feel free to use any nuts you have in the pantry.  Try almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
    • pomegranate arils - These little gems are so beautiful and add some much nutrition and sweetness.  

    Ingredients for the dressing

    • olive oil - Use good olive oil for dressing like this because you can taste it.  I used extra virgin olive oil for dressing because I like the light flavor.  
    • orange juice and zest - Using fresh squeezed orange juice makes all the difference in this dressing.  The zest adds extra orange flavor to make it pop.
    • maple syrup - I always use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
    • dijon mustard - I LOVE using grainy mustard because I think it tastes better and it adds texture to the dressing.  

     

    close up off kale salad with apples and pomegranate arils

    What to serve with this salad

    This light and sweet salad taste great with a simple grilled chicken or London broil.  It has so much flavor that you don't need a complicated entree with this.  

    • Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
    • Tender London Broil
    • Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Baked Teriyaki Salmon

    kale salad with orange and dressing on the side

    More Salad Recipes 

    • Lentil Salad with Tuna
    • Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
    • Chopped Salad 
    • Cucumber Salad {Keto}
    • Quinoa Salad with Greens
    kale salad close up with apple slices on top

    Kale and Apple Salad

    This Kale and Apple Salad is the perfect salad to celebrate the season.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: kale and apple salad
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 199kcal

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups baby kale
    • 1 large Honeycrisp apple sliced
    • ½ cup pomegranate arils
    • ½ cup pistachios

    Dressing

    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • 1 ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • 1 ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Put all salad dressing ingredients into a jar and shake.
    • Add all salad ingredients to a medium sized bowl.
    • Dress salad right before serving. This salad stays well in the fridge for several days without getting soggy and apples don't brown because of acid in the oranges.

    Notes

    This salad holds up well for up to two days if it is not dressed.
    Feel free to use any type of kale you want.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3417IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

     

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sara | Tastefulventure

      November 05, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      I love Kale, this looks so delicious! 🙂

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        November 05, 2015 at 4:09 pm

        Thanks Sara. I love kale too, but it has to be topped with an awesome dressing. Yum!

        Reply
    2. Karen @ The Food Charlatan

      November 06, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      This looks amazing! I love all those pistachios and pomegranates! Yum. I've never massaged kale before, I know I am missing out. I don't like the stuff raw, or maybe I just need to expand my mind 🙂 I need to try this!

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        November 06, 2015 at 6:46 pm

        Thanks Karen. Raw kale isn't for everyone, but I'll bet you would like it this way.

        Reply
    3. sweetphi

      November 06, 2015 at 11:42 pm

      This looks totally delicious! I just got a pomegranate and kale in my CSA box, and now I know exactly what i'm going to do with those ingredients!!

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        November 07, 2015 at 1:34 pm

        So glad to help you with your CSA box!

        Reply
    4. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      May 09, 2020 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious combination of ingredients Karen! Love the touch of maple syrup in the dressing. Pinned!

      Reply
    5. Francine

      November 24, 2022 at 10:58 am

      I just made this salad to take with me to a pot luck. I have not tasted it. But i am concerned that it mentions fennel under the title, but there is no fennel in the recipe. What gives?

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        November 24, 2022 at 11:40 am

        That is an error; just fixed. Sorry about that! Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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