Kale Apple Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

User Reviews

5.0

15 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    18 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    347 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    American

Kale Apple Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

This flavorful Kale Apple Salad features tender massaged kale, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a fresh lemon dressing!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 cups chopped curly kale
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • pinch of salt
  • 3-4 lices Bacon (see notes for vegetarian options)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted, roasted, or regular)
  • 2-3 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium honeycrisp apple (fuji is another tasty option!)

FRESH LEMON DRESSING

  • 2 TBSP avocado oil
  • 2 TBSP fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1-2 TBSP pure maple syrup to sweeten dressing to taste
  • tsp salt
  • tsp pepper
  • 1 small clove garlic , peeled and minced
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Instructions

  1. To transform curly kale leaves into silky, tender salad greens, let's massage our kale! After washing and drying, start by removing the leaves from the stem. Finely chop the leaves and measure out 4 cups of kale. Add to a large bowl with 1/8-1/4 tsp oil and a teeny tiny pinch of salt. Massage oil into leaves until tender and vibrant green.
  2. Next whisk togehter dressing ingredients. Sample and adjust salt/pepper/maple syrup to taste if needed. Set aside.
  3. Cook bacon until via preferred method until crispy or grab your favorite vegetarian alternative. I like to coarsely chop mine then saute in a frying pan until nice and crisp, then allow it to try between paper towels while I prep the salad. If cooking in strips, crumble once cooled.
  4. Next coarsely chop your sliced almonds (or leave whole for more texture), cube cheese into small fork-friendly bites (approx. 1/2 inch cubes), and finely dice apple.
  5. Add almonds, cheese, and apple to the kale. Whisk dressing once more before adding to salad. Toss to coat and top with bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe yields 4 side salads or 2 large meal-sized salads.
  • To make it vegetarian simply replace bacon with plant-based bacon bits, smokey tempeh bacon, or your favorite alternative. Juicy dried cranberries can also be added in place of bacon. 
  • I'm also a big fan of adding candied walnuts or pecans for a savory sweet vibe.
  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated for both salad and dressing using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on any extras/swaps and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 347kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 26mg (9%) Sodium 297mg (12%) Potassium 540mg (15%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 6860IU (137%) Vitamin C 86mg (96%) Calcium 250mg (25%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 347 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 347kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 297mg 12%
Potassium 540mg 11%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 6860IU 137%
Vitamin C 86mg 96%
Calcium 250mg 25%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

15 reviews
Excellent

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