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Kale Salad with Apple and pumpkin seed clusters

Kale Salad with Apple and pumpkin seed clusters
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Kale Salad with Apple and Pumpkin Seed Clusters is a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed salad combining crisp kale, sweet apple slices, and nutty toasted pumpkin seed clusters. Enhanced with a tangy-sweet lemon and honey dressing, this easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a quick lunch or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 4 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 large crisp apple (such as Gala or Fuji), washed, cored, and thinly sliced or chopped

Pumpkin Seed Clusters

  • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for toasting)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kale: Remove each kale leaf from the thick stems and chop into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
  2. Slice the Apples: Wash and core the apples, then cut them into thin slices or small chunks. Choose sweet apple varieties like Gala or Fuji for a refreshing contrast to the kale.
  3. Toast the Pumpkin Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds until they become golden and fragrant. For added texture, while warm, press some seeds together to form crunchy clusters. Optionally, add a teaspoon of olive oil before toasting for extra flavor.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Combine the massaged kale, apple slices, and pumpkin seed clusters in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every leaf and bite evenly.

Notes

  • Massage the kale to soften its fibrous texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.
  • Choose crisp, fresh apples for the best texture contrast.
  • Toast pumpkin seeds carefully to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Taste and adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to your preference.
  • Serve the salad fresh to retain its crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, pumpkin seed clusters, healthy salad, nutritious salad, gluten free, vegetarian, quick salad

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/kale-salad-with-apple-and-pumpkin-seed-clusters/