This Kale Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette is a fresh and crunchy way to enjoy one of my favorite greens. The kale is hearty and slightly chewy, which pairs perfectly with the nutty, slightly sweet pecan vinaigrette. You get a nice mix of textures and flavors that come together in a simple, healthy salad.
I really love making this salad when I want something light but satisfying. The pecan vinaigrette is super easy to whip up and it adds a special touch that makes the salad feel a little fancy without any fuss. I usually give the kale a good massage with a bit of the dressing so it softens and tastes even better.
My favorite way to enjoy this salad is as a side dish with dinner or even as a quick lunch topped with some grilled chicken. It’s one of those salads that keeps well if you want to make it ahead, so I often bring it to potlucks or family dinners. Once you try this combo, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Kale
- Curly kale is great here because it’s sturdy and holds up well to the vinaigrette. If you prefer something softer, you can try baby kale or even spinach, but massage them gently so they don’t get too mushy.
- Pecans
- Toasting pecans brings out their flavor and adds crunch. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work nicely, offering a similar texture and nutty taste.
- Green Apple
- The crisp apple adds freshness and a little sweetness to balance the kale. Granny Smith is perfect, but Fuji or Honeycrisp would also taste good.
- Pomegranate Seeds (optional)
- These add a pop of color and juicy sweetness. You can swap them with dried cranberries or seeds from a fresh orange for a different twist.
- Pecan Vinaigrette
- The apple cider vinegar and maple syrup create a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with the nuts. You can switch maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, but yellow mustard can be a simpler substitute.
How Do You Soften Kale for a Tender Salad?
Kale can be tough and a bit bitter if not prepared right. To make it tender and enjoyable:
- Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves before chopping.
- Massage the kale leaves using your hands with some of the dressing. Press and rub the leaves for 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the kale darken and soften, making it easier to chew and digest.
- The acidity in the vinaigrette helps break down the kale fibers, so don’t skip adding some dressing before massaging.
- Once massaged, the kale will feel more tender but still hold a nice bite, perfect for salads like this one.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – big enough to toss kale and dressing without spills.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to easily slice apples and chop kale.
- Small mixing bowl – for whisking together the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk or fork – helps emulsify the dressing for a creamy texture.
- Hands or salad tongs – perfect for massaging kale and mixing the salad evenly.
- Skillet or frying pan – to toast pecans and bring out their flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy boost.
- Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates to add sweetness and chew.
- Include roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a warm, hearty touch.
Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 1 large bunch of curly kale (about 6 cups), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup pecan halves (toasted)
- 1 small green apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
For The Pecan Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It includes washing and chopping the kale, toasting pecans, whisking the dressing, massaging the kale to soften it, and assembling. You can serve it right away or chill it briefly to let flavors blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kale:
Wash the kale thoroughly and dry it well. Remove the tough stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Put the kale in a large salad bowl.
2. Toast the Pecans:
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecan halves and toast them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and slightly darker. Take them off the heat and let them cool.
3. Make the Pecan Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), and Dijon mustard. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and mixed well. Stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Massage the Kale:
Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale leaves for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps soften the kale and makes it more tender and easier to eat.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Add the thinly sliced green apple, toasted pecan halves, and pomegranate seeds if you like. Drizzle the rest of the vinaigrette over the top. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately, or chill it in the fridge for a short time to let the flavors marry. It’s great as a healthy side dish or a light main course.
Can I Use Frozen Kale for This Salad?
It’s best to use fresh kale for this recipe since frozen kale tends to be too soft and watery once thawed. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it very well before using, but fresh will give much better texture.
How Long Will This Salad Keep in the Refrigerator?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The kale may become a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious. For best texture, toss with extra vinaigrette before serving again.
Can I Substitute the Pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make great substitutes if you don’t have pecans or want to try a different crunch and flavor.
Is It Necessary to Massage the Kale?
Yes, massaging the kale with the dressing softens the tough leaves, making the salad more tender and easier to eat. It also helps the flavors absorb better. It only takes 2-3 minutes and really improves the texture.