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Apple Cranberry Bacon Kale Salad

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A vibrant salad featuring fresh kale, crispy bacon, tart apples, and chewy cranberries, dressed in a simple vinaigrette.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 medium apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the kale thoroughly, then remove the stems. Place the leaves in a large bowl.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving a tablespoon of bacon grease.
  3. In the same skillet, whisk together olive oil, bacon grease, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Toss the kale with the dressing until well-coated. Add sliced apples, dried cranberries, and crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and cheese.
  5. Let the salad rest for a few minutes and serve fresh, garnished with more nuts and a drizzle of dressing if desired.

Notes

Massage the kale with dressing before combining with other ingredients for better flavor absorption.

  • Author: instantmeals
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian