Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Holiday Kale Crunch Salad! It’s like a burst of freshness and crunch in every bite, and trust me, it’s the perfect dish for any holiday gathering. I remember the first time I made it for a family get-together; everyone was raving about how light yet satisfying it was! The vibrant colors of the kale, Brussels sprouts, and carrots just scream festivity. Plus, the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of walnuts add such delightful textures. It’s become a staple on our holiday table, always stealing the show from heavier dishes. I love how easy it is to whip up, leaving me more time to enjoy the festivities with my loved ones!

Ingredients List

Now, let’s gather the ingredients for this delightful Holiday Kale Crunch Salad! You’ll want to start with 1 bunch of kale, chopped. This gives the salad its vibrant green base. Next, grab 1 cup of Brussels sprouts, shredded—they add such a lovely crunch! Don’t forget 1 cup of grated carrots for a pop of sweetness and color. For that festive touch, you’ll need 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to bring a hint of tartness, along with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for an extra crunch. Oh, and let’s sprinkle in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese for that creamy goodness! Finally, we’ll whip up a simple dressing with 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and some salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes!

How to Prepare Holiday Kale Crunch Salad

Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Holiday Kale Crunch Salad! First things first, you’ll want to wash your kale thoroughly. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces—this will be the star of your salad!

Next, grab those Brussels sprouts. Shred them finely; I like to use a mandoline for this, but a good knife works just fine too. Now, onto the carrots! Grate them until you have about a cup’s worth. The colors are already coming together beautifully, aren’t they?

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, and grated carrots. Now, let’s add some festive flair! Toss in the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Look at all those vibrant colors and textures—so inviting!

Now, let’s whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is what brings everything to life!

Pour that lovely dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. I like to let it sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! When you’re ready to serve, just give it another toss and enjoy this crunchy delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Colorful and visually stunning, it brightens up any holiday table.
Crunchy textures from fresh veggies and nuts make every bite delightful.
Perfect for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile enough to fit in with any holiday spread.

Tips for Success

To make the most of your Holiday Kale Crunch Salad, here are a few handy tips! First, always massage the kale a bit with your hands after chopping. This helps to soften it and bring out its flavors—trust me, it makes a difference! If you want to switch things up, try using spinach or arugula instead of kale for a different taste. You can also swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds if that’s more your style.

For those who want extra protein, adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas can turn this salad into a meal! And don’t forget to taste your dressing before pouring it over the salad; you can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Lastly, if you’re making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain that crunchy texture!

Variations

Oh, the possibilities are endless with this Holiday Kale Crunch Salad! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pomegranate seeds for a juicy burst of flavor and a pop of color. They’re perfect for the holidays! You could also swap out the walnuts for toasted pecans or even pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.

If you want to turn this salad into a heartier dish, consider mixing in grilled shrimp or chicken for that protein boost. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas are a fantastic addition! And don’t be afraid to get creative with your veggies—add in thinly sliced radishes or roasted sweet potatoes to change up the texture and flavor profile. Each variation brings something unique to the table and keeps the salad fresh and exciting every time you make it!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This Holiday Kale Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving is approximately 250 calories, which is a fantastic option for a light yet satisfying dish. You’ll find about 18g of fat, with 2g of saturated fat and 14g of unsaturated fat. It also contains 5g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates, including 5g of fiber to keep you feeling full. Plus, it has a touch of sweetness with 10g of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness packed into this salad!

FAQ Section

How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Holiday Kale Crunch Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2-3 days. Just remember that the kale might lose some of its crunch over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the veggies stay crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for kale?
If kale isn’t your thing or you want a change, spinach or arugula are fantastic alternatives! They add a different flavor and texture while still keeping it fresh and crunchy.

Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp can elevate this salad into a hearty meal. Just toss in your choice of protein right before serving for a satisfying boost!

What’s a good way to serve this salad?
This salad is a showstopper on its own, but you can serve it alongside roasted meats or as part of a buffet spread. It also makes a great main dish for a light lunch!

Holiday Kale Crunch Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and crunchy salad perfect for holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Wash and chop the kale.
Shred the Brussels sprouts and grate the carrots.
In a large bowl, combine kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Holiday Kale Crunch Salad

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