Apple and Cheese Salad
Valentina P
Cheddar and apples are a classic combination for good reason. The interplay of those savory and sweet flavors is the highlight of this kale salad. That, alongside some nice crunch thanks to the addition of celery and almonds. Massaged kale is my preferred option here, since the hearty leaves stand up so well to vinaigrette. If you're not keen on kale - spinach or spring mix make good alternatives. If using that option, be sure to add the vinaigrette just before serving.
How To MakeDiet Type: Classic
Shopping List
-
Salad
- 3 1/2 cups kale, hard stems removed (about 3 large handfuls, Note 1)
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 tart apple (honeycrisp, granny smith, fuji)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes (about 2 ounces)
- 33333333/100000000 cup almonds, roasted and salted Dijon Vinaigrette
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon shallot or onion, finely minced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar (we like this one)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Step 2: Chop the kale leaves, apple, cheese, almonds, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Place the kale leaves in a mixing bowl and add a small splash of the vinaigrette. Use your hand to massage the vinaigrette into the leaves until they have softened and lost volume, about 15 seconds. Note: even if making this salad ahead of time, do not skip this step of massaging - it will not make the salad soggy.
- Serve: Add all remaining ingredients to the kale, add a little splash of the vinaigrette (to your taste preference), and toss to combine. Enjoy. Leftover vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Spinach or spring mix may also be used in place of the kale. If doing so, do not massage the vinaigrette into the greens and be sure to add the vinaigrette only just before serving.
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Nutrition
Cheddar and apples are a classic combination for good reason. The interplay of those savory and sweet flavors is the highlight of this green salad. That, alongside some nice crunch thanks to the addition of celery and almonds. Two lower-carb tweaks to the original recipe were made here, which include substituting the apples for jicama and swapping out kale for another leafy green of choice. Add the vinaigrette just before serving and enjoy.
How To MakeDiet Type: Low-carb
Shopping List
-
Salad
- 4 cups raw spinach or spring mix (about 4 large handfuls)
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 cup jicama, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes (about 2 ounces)
- 33333333/100000000 cup almonds, roasted and salted Dijon Vinaigrette
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon shallot or onion, finely minced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Step 2: Chop the jicama, cheese, almonds, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Place all of the salad ingredients in a bowl and add a little splash of the vinaigrette (to your taste preference). Toss to combine and enjoy. Leftover vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Cheese and apples are a classic combination for good reason. The interplay of those savory and sweet flavors is the highlight of this kale salad. That, alongside some nice crunch thanks to the addition of celery and almonds. Massaged kale is my preferred option here, since the hearty leaves stand up so well to vinaigrette. If you're not keen on kale - spinach or spring mix make good alternatives. If using that option, be sure to add the vinaigrette just before serving.
How To MakeDiet Type: Paleo
Shopping List
-
Salad
- 3 1/2 cups kale, hard stems removed (about 3 large handfuls, Note 1)
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 tart apple (honeycrisp, granny smith, fuji)
- 2 ounces robust nut-based cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 33333333/100000000 cup almonds, roasted and salted Dijon Vinaigrette
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon shallot or onion, finely minced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Step 2: Chop the kale leaves, apple, cheese, almonds, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Place the kale leaves in a mixing bowl and add a small splash of the vinaigrette. Use your hand to massage the vinaigrette into the leaves until they have softened and lost volume, about 15 seconds. Note: even if making this salad ahead of time, do not skip this step of massaging - it will not make the salad soggy.
- Serve: Add all remaining ingredients to the kale, add a little splash of the vinaigrette (to your taste preference), and toss to combine. Enjoy. Leftover vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Spinach or spring mix may also be used in place of the kale. If doing so, do not massage the vinaigrette into the greens and be sure to add the vinaigrette only just before serving.
Nutrition
Cheese and apples are a classic combination for good reason. The interplay of those savory and sweet flavors is the highlight of this kale salad. That, alongside some nice crunch thanks to the addition of celery and almonds. Massaged kale is my preferred option here, since the hearty leaves stand up so well to vinaigrette. If you're not keen on kale - spinach or spring mix make good alternatives. If using that option, be sure to add the vinaigrette just before serving.
How To MakeDiet Type: Plant-based
Shopping List
-
Salad
- 3 1/2 cups kale, hard stems removed (about 3 large handfuls, Note 1)
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 tart apple (honeycrisp, granny smith, fuji)
- 2 ounces robust plant-based cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 33333333/100000000 cup almonds, roasted and salted Dijon Vinaigrette
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon shallot or onion, finely minced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Step 2: Chop the kale leaves, apple, cheese, almonds, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Place the kale leaves in a mixing bowl and add a small splash of the vinaigrette. Use your hand to massage the vinaigrette into the leaves until they have softened and lost volume, about 15 seconds. Note: even if making this salad ahead of time, do not skip this step of massaging - it will not make the salad soggy.
- Serve: Add all remaining ingredients to the kale, add a little splash of the vinaigrette (to your taste preference), and toss to combine. Enjoy. Leftover vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Spinach or spring mix may also be used in place of the kale. If doing so, do not massage the vinaigrette into the greens and be sure to add the vinaigrette only just before serving.
Nutrition
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