For a vegan option, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave, and replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Massaging the kale is crucial for breaking down its tough fibers and making it more palatable. Don't skip this step! If you don't have red onion on hand, shallots or sweet onion make a good substitute. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Kale Salad with Cranberries
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME3 hrs 25 mins
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SERVING12 People
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VIEWS9
A vibrant and textural kale salad, where the bitterness of kale meets the sweetness of cranberries and the creamy saltiness of feta. This salad is not only delicious but also gets better with time as the flavors meld together. A guaranteed potluck favorite!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate12 g
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Cholesterol11 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein4 g
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Saturated Fat3 g
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Sodium295 mg
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Sugar6 g
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Fat9 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPrepare the Cranberry Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine water and dried cranberries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (2 min). Reduce heat to low and simmer until cranberries are plump and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency (5-10 min). Stir in honey until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely (20 min).
02
StepMassage the Kale: In a large bowl, add the prepared kale and sliced red onion.
03
StepMake the Vinaigrette: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
04
StepCombine and Marinate: Pour the vinaigrette over the kale and red onion. Using your hands, massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn a vibrant green. Add the crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and the cooled cranberry reduction (including all the syrupy liquid). Toss well to combine.
05
StepChill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 8 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even marination. This allows the kale to tenderize and the flavors to meld beautifully. (3-8 hrs)
06
StepBefore serving, give the salad a final toss. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
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Flavio Tromp
Jun 27, 2025The sweet and savory combination is perfect. I'll definitely be making this again.
Adrianna Gibson
Jun 27, 2025This salad is amazing! I made it for a dinner party and everyone raved about it. The cranberry reduction is genius!
Jaime Bosco
Jun 18, 2025I added some toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and it was delicious!
Alexys Hauck
Jun 16, 2025Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I love that it can be made ahead of time.
Emelia Torphy
Jun 11, 2025I was skeptical about kale salad, but this recipe converted me. The massaging technique really makes a difference.