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    Home » Other

    Fresh Kale Salad with Cherries and Walnuts

    Published: Aug 7, 2020 · Last Modified: Apr 5, 2022

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    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

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    Only a Dietitian would say they have a "go-to" kale salad, right? Well, maybe, but I hope it becomes a favorite for you too! I love this salad because it is so versatile. I like to serve it as a side dish among many different meals and I've made it for many potlucks. It can also be served as a complete meal if you add protein and grains. Some yummy combinations include: poached egg(s) + cooked farro, grilled fish + toasted multi grain baguette, goat cheese + cooked barley. Use your imagination and I bet you can come up with some winning combos too!

    kale salad in wood bowl
    Serve as a side dish...

    I love to combine the 2 different types of kale for variety in texture, color, and flavor. The mild flavor and tenderness of the Tuscan kale offsets the stronger flavor and fibrous texture of the purple kale without sacrificing nutritional quality. The toasted walnuts add a wonderful roasted flavor and the sweetness of the cherries balances out the tangy dressing and the pungent flavor of the kale and shallots. I like to keep a big bag of dried cherries from Costco on hand but you can buy the same brand on Amazon.

    kale salad ingredients in bowl
    kale chopped into ribbons
    chopped kale in salad spinner

    I hope this recipe becomes your new go-to salad as well. I make it at least once a month because it's so delicious and versatile. Leave a comment about how you served it!

    kale salad in wood bowl
    Serve as a side dish...
    kale salad with poached egg and farro
    ...or as a main dish!

    Nutrition Tip:
    Kale is rich in iron but it is in a form that is not as easily absorbed by your body as iron from meat sources. Vitamin C helps increase the absorption of iron from plant sources. The lemon juice in this salad provides the vitamin C needed to absorb the iron from the kale.

    kale salad with walnuts and cherries in wood bowl.

    Fresh Kale Salad with Cherries and Walnuts

    Peak to Plate - Annie Weisz - peaktoplate.com
    This kale salad is crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. Serve it as a side dish or serve with grains and protein for a full meal!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 372 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    Salad

    • 1 bunch Tuscan kale
    • 1 bunch purple kale
    • ¾ cup toasted walnuts, chopped (or roasted sunflower seeds)
    • ⅓ cup dried cherries, finely chopped
    • 1 large shallot, finely chopped

    Dressing

    • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Optional Toppings to Make it a Meal

    • crumbled goat cheese
    • poached eggs
    • cooked farro or grain of choice
    • grilled fish or other protein
    • extra veggies - avocado slices, roasted beets, etc.
    • use your imagination!

    Instructions
     

    • Remove center ribs and stems from kale. Cut into ¼ inch ribbons and wash in salad spinner. Washing 3 times is usually sufficient.
    • Add kale, walnuts and cherries to a large bowl.
    • Whisk together lemon juice and zest, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper. Add chopped shallots to dressing. Massage dressing into kale mixture. with salad mixture until well-coated.
    • Let sit in the fridge at least 1 hour before serving.
    • Serve as a side dish as is, or add protein and grains of choice to make it a complete meal.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 9gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 187mgPotassium: 649mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 10359IUVitamin C: 135mgCalcium: 190mgIron: 3mg
    Love this recipe?Mention @peak.to.plate on Instagram and tag #peaktoplate
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    Hi, I'm Annie! I'm a wife, mom of 2 boys, Registered Dietitian, Wyoming native, lover of all things food, and the creator of Peak to Plate. I believe that preparing delicious meals and enjoying them mindfully is the best way to pay respect to animals harvested for our consumption. I hope to inspire you to take your cooking skills to new creative heights.

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    posing with whitetail doe

    Hi, I'm Annie! I'm a wife, mom of 2 boys, Registered Dietitian, Wyoming native, lover of all things food, and the creator of Peak to Plate. I believe that preparing delicious meals and enjoying them mindfully is the best way to pay respect to animals harvested for our consumption. I hope to inspire you to take your cooking skills to new creative heights.

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