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Crispy Autumn Chopped Salad: Easy Fall Recipes

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A hearty and crunchy chopped salad featuring massaged dinosaur kale, roasted walnuts, and a sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette. This easy weeknight meal is perfect for meal prep and offers the comfort of fall flavors in a healthy package.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch Dinosaur Kale (Lacinato), stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1/2 head Red Cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 medium Carrots, peeled and grated or diced small
  • 1 crisp Apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced small
  • 1/3 cup Dried Cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas), toasted
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Honey (optional)
  • 1 small clove Garlic, minced
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove tough stems from the kale. Stack leaves, roll tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (about 1/4 inch wide).
  2. Place chopped kale in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage with hands for 1 minute to soften fibers.
  3. Shred red cabbage, dice carrots, and dice apple. Toss these vegetables with the massaged kale in the large bowl.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  5. In a small mason jar, combine olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Screw lid on tight and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified.
  6. Pour about half of the dressing over the kale and vegetable mixture and toss well to coat.
  7. Add dried cranberries, toasted nuts, seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently.
  8. Add remaining dressing as needed to achieve a glossy coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four days.

Notes

Massaging the kale is crucial to break down tough fibers and reduce bitterness. Ensure nuts and seeds are completely cool before adding to the salad to prevent wilting the greens. For meal prep, store dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn salad, kale salad, maple vinaigrette, fall recipes, healthy side dish, meal prep, chopped salad, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/crispy-autumn-chopped-salad-easy-fall-recipes/