Go Back
–+ servings
Fresh autumn kale salad with apples, grapes, cheddar, and pecans served in a wooden bowl with maple balsamic vinaigrette.
Callie Brooks

Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

A fall-inspired kale salad with crisp apples, toasted nuts, creamy feta, and a tangy maple balsamic dressing. This cozy, vibrant dish brings out the best of the season in both flavor and nutrition.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • optional: roasted butternut squash, sweet potato, or grilled chicken
  • 0.5 tsp olive oil (for massaging kale)
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large salad bowl
  • mixing spoon or tongs
  • small whisk or fork
  • small bowl (for dressing)
  • baking tray (for toasting nuts)

Method
 

  1. Wash, dry, and thinly slice the lacinato kale. Remove stems to ensure tenderness.
  2. Massage the kale with ½ teaspoon olive oil for 1–2 minutes until softened.
  3. Toast the pecans or walnuts in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant, then chop.
  4. Dice the apple into small cubes. Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp for best texture.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  6. In a large bowl, combine kale, apples, cranberries, toasted nuts, cheese, and optional extras like roasted squash or chicken.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5200IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Massage kale well for tenderness. Add the apples just before serving to keep them fresh. Chill the assembled salad for 15 minutes to enhance flavors. Optional toppings like roasted squash or grilled chicken can turn it into a heartier meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!