Apple Cranberry Bacon Kale Salad

Apple Cranberry Bacon Kale Salad – Not only this kale salad recipe is packed full of hearty nutrients, but it tastes amazing too! Crisp apples, dried cranberries, feta cheese, almonds, and kale come together in this fresh Autumn salad. And the best of all? Toss some crispy bacon in and you are set for life! This kale salad is a must for your lunches but also for picnics, gatherings, and potlucks. Enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the Apple Cranberry Bacon Kale Salad

• 6 cups chopped kale (see notes to tenderize kale)
• 1 red apple, cored and chopped in small pieces
• 2/3 cup crisp bacon bits
• 1 cup almond, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

The dressing

• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt + fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. To make the kale salad: In a large bowl add chopped kale, bacon, apple, almond, feta, and cranberries.

2. In a bowl or mason jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients: apple juice, mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss with the apple cranberry bacon kale salad immediately before serving. Enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Tips for the bacon kale salad

This kale salad recipe features fresh fruit and veggies and a delicious homemade apple cider vinegar and honey dressing, making it perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch. Note that the bacon kale salad recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger group.

• This kale salad recipe can be turned vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and bacon.
• Try adding poppy seeds to the dressing for a nice depth of flavor.
• Any type of kale will work here, such as curly kale or lacinato kale.
• If you have some time available, toast the almonds in a dry pan before chopping them, this will greatly enhance their flavor.

How to soften kale for salad

If you find kale is tough to chew, especially for salads, we’ve got you covered. After washing and patting your kale dry, remove the stem from each kale leaf. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, then sprinkle with a small pinch of salt. Pour a few drops of olive oil into your hands and thoroughly massage the kale leaves until they darken in color and get tender. Your kale salad will taste way better!

How to serve the bacon kale salad

This kale salad is very nourishing, you can enjoy on its own, but it is also perfect to pair with all sorts of dinner recipes. Since it has a Fall vibe, it goes particularly well with Fall inspired recipes and other Thanksgiving fares such as roasted turkey breast. But it also truly pairs well with anything!

More salad recipes

• Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil
• Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
• Apple Feta Spinach Salad
• Spinach Salad with Mozzarella, Tomato & Pepperoni

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com