Kale Blueberry Salad
Kale Blueberry Salad is a wonderful medley of textures and flavors. With the earthiness of kale, the sweetness of juicy blueberries, and the tang of apple cider vinegar, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious delight.
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Servings: 6
Equipment
- peeler
- Whisk
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- Here's what you'll need to make this delicious salad:
- - 1 bunch kale washed, tough stems removed, and chopped
- - 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- - 3-4 medium carrots either grated or cut into thin matchsticks
- - 1 cup dried cranberries or craisins
- - 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries to be added just before serving
- - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- - 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth dressing. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed—adding a bit more salt or sugar to suit your preference.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
- Grab a large mixing bowl and add your chopped kale, grated or julienned carrots, and dried cranberries. These ingredients form the foundation of the salad, so make sure they’re mixed together well.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the kale mixture. Using tongs or two large forks, gently toss the salad so that the dressing evenly coats the leaves and veggies. You want every bit of kale and carrot to experience that zippy flavor.
Step 4: Chill Out
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad rest for at least 3-4 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to develop and the kale to soften just a bit, making it tastier.
Step 5: Finish with Blueberries and Onions
- When you're ready to serve, pull the salad out of the fridge. Toss in the sliced red onion and fresh blueberries. Give it another gentle mix so that those sweet berries are nicely distributed throughout the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the freshness!
Notes
- Prepping Kale: For a more tender texture, massage the kale leaves with a little olive oil before adding the dressing. This helps soften the leaves and makes for a more enjoyable bite.
- Add Some Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds for added texture. Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you're watching sugar intake, consider swapping granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup in the dressing.
- Herbal Touch: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate this salad. Add them in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Meal Prep Buddy: This salad pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish. Prepare it in advance and serve alongside your protein for a complete meal.