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Cozy Fall Chopped Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

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This hearty fall salad features crunchy apples, toasted pecans, sharp cheddar, and dried cranberries tossed with a tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Shake to combine. Add olive oil and shake vigorously until emulsified, about 30 seconds. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Remove tough stems, stack leaves, and slice into thin ribbons. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and slice thinly. Add to the bowl with the kale.
  5. Drizzle about half the dressing over the greens. Use clean hands to massage the dressing into the greens for about 2 minutes, until the kale softens and darkens.
  6. Dice the apple into small cubes (skin on). Cube the cheddar cheese into similar-sized pieces. Add apple, cheese, dried cranberries, and cooled toasted pecans to the bowl.
  7. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined.
  8. Let the salad rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Massaging the kale is crucial for tenderness. For best flavor, let the salad rest before serving. The salad improves overnight; add apples and pecans fresh if meal prepping. Dressing keeps up to 1 week in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, chopped salad, maple vinaigrette, kale salad, Thanksgiving side, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-fall-chopped-salad-with-maple-vinaigrette-recipe/