Description
This Autumn Salad is quick and easy to throw together, loaded with nutritional goodness, and most importantly, absolutely delicious! Crunchy kale, brussels sprouts, fennel, and honeycrisp apples are coated in a simple maple-lemon vinaigrette that sings with flavor! Sweet dried cherries, salty marcona almonds, and buttery croutons bring this one into the winner circle. So many flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups thinly sliced lacinato kale
- 1 cup shaved fresh fennel
- 1 cup shaved fresh brussels sprouts
- 1 thinly sliced honeycrisp apple
- 2 tablespoons salted marcona almonds (or pistachios)
- 2 tablespoons dried cherries (or cranberries)
- 1 cup croutons (any type you prefer!)
Instructions
For the Dressing:
Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth, and season to taste.
For the Salad:
- Place the kale in a large bowl and add a couple tablespoons of the dressing along with a pinch of salt. Using clean hands, gently massage the kale for a few minutes so that it softens slightly.
- Add in the fennel, brussels sprouts, and apple slices and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with the almonds, dried cherries, and croutons. Drizzle over as much of the remaining dressing as you prefer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately while everything is crunchy and fresh.
Notes
- I use a mandolin to thinly slice the fennel, brussels sprouts, and apple. It makes for quick and easy work. You can also thinly slice these ingredients with a very sharp knife or a food processor fitted with the slicing blade.
- To prep this ahead, I will prepare all the components and store them in separate airtight containers. I assemble each salad just before eating.
- This salad is wonderful as is, but you can serve it alongside your protein of choice or top with grilled chicken for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: salads