Kale Apple Salad with Spicy Maple Nuts and Bacon
Perfect for fall, or anytime of year, this salad has it all. It’s hearty and bright. It’s tart, salty, sweet and a little spicy. The nuts and apple provide loads of crunch, the bacon and feta provide salty richness, and the sweet-tart dressing brings it all together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the nuts*:
- 1/2 cup nuts and/or seeds
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- pinch cayenne
- pinch cinnamon
- pinch salt
For the dressing:
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp grainy mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
For the salad:
- 1 bunch Kale sliced into ribbons
- 1 large apple** thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion sliced
- 1/2 cup nuts/seeds***
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped and cooked
Instructions
Make the nuts:
- Melt the butter in a pan and add in the maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and let bubble for a minute.
- Add in the nuts/seeds and stir until the nuts are completely coated.
- Add in a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of salt and a big pinch of cayenne. Toss again.
- Remove to a plate lined with parchment and let cool.
Make the dressing:
- In a bowl combine the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, olive oil and a big pinch each of salt and pepper.
- Whisk well. Set aside.
Make the salad:
- In a large bowl combine the kale, apple, onion, nuts, feta and bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well and serve immediately.
Notes
*I use a combination of walnuts, pepitas and sunflower seeds.
**Choose a crisp, sweet apple like honey crisp, ambrosia, or pink lady.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!