Name: Thanksgiving Kale Salad: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups kale, chopped; 1 cup quinoa, cooked; 1 apple, diced; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Thanksgiving kale salad! It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and nutrients that perfectly complements any holiday feast. This vibrant dish is packed with healthy ingredients that make you feel good while still being delicious! I love serving it at family gatherings, where everyone appreciates a fresh, crunchy option amidst all those hearty dishes. Plus, the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts bring a unique twist that’ll have your guests raving. Trust me, this Thanksgiving kale salad is a must-try!

Ingredients List

To make this delightful Thanksgiving kale salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:

4 cups kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup quinoa, cooked and fluffy
1 apple, diced (I love using a sweet-tart variety for a nice zing!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped for that satisfying crunch
1/4 cup dried cranberries to add a burst of sweetness
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for creaminess
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin is best for flavor
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tang
1 tablespoon honey to sweeten the dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Kale Salad

Making this Thanksgiving kale salad is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute! Start by washing your kale thoroughly. Once it’s nice and clean, chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a large bowl. Here’s a little secret: sprinkle a pinch of salt over the kale and massage it for about 2-3 minutes. This sounds a bit odd, but it softens the leaves and makes them so much more enjoyable to eat!

Now that your kale is ready, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the cooked quinoa, diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Each ingredient adds its own delicious touch, so don’t skimp on any of them!

For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this over your salad and toss everything together until it’s well-coated. If you can, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wash and chop the kale, then place it in a large bowl.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the kale and massage it for 2-3 minutes to soften.
Add the cooked quinoa, diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese to the kale.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is combined.
Let the salad sit for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Kale Salad

It’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your holiday spread!
Quick and easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities.
The combination of flavors—from sweet apples to crunchy walnuts—is simply irresistible.
It’s vegan-friendly, catering to various dietary preferences at your gathering.
This salad can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other dishes.

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional benefits of this Thanksgiving kale salad? Each serving is estimated to contain around 250 calories, with 15g of fat, 6g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but it’s still a wholesome choice!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Thanksgiving kale salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when choosing apples, go for a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji—they bring the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can adjust the honey to your taste; just start with a little and add more if needed. Don’t forget, massaging the kale is key to making it tender and delicious! And if you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch.

Variations of Thanksgiving Kale Salad

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this Thanksgiving kale salad! Try swapping out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch. You can also add in seasonal fruits like sliced pears or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness. Feeling zesty? Drizzle a little citrus dressing instead of the honey vinaigrette for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftover Thanksgiving kale salad, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, I recommend gently warming the quinoa separately and then tossing it back together with the salad. Enjoy the freshness!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this Thanksgiving kale salad? I’ve got answers! If you’re looking for substitutions, you can easily swap the quinoa for farro or brown rice if you prefer. For a nut-free version, just leave out the walnuts and perhaps add some sunflower seeds for crunch. Want to make it gluten-free? No worries—quinoa is naturally gluten-free! If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter option. And yes, you can definitely add other veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots to amp up the nutrition!

Thanksgiving Kale Salad: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Savor

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A healthy and delicious Thanksgiving kale salad packed with nutrients and flavor.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine chopped kale and a pinch of salt.
Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it softens.
Add cooked quinoa, diced apple, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately or let it sit for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.