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Crispy Harvest Apple Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

crispy harvest apple kale salad - featured image
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A quick and easy fall salad featuring baked kale chips, crisp apples, and savory bacon, all tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch Lacinato (dinosaur) kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, cored and sliced into thin wedges
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Toss the leaves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread kale in a single layer on one baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Remove and let cool completely.
  4. Cook bacon on the second baking sheet at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Alternatively, cook in a skillet. Crumble bacon and reserve 1 tablespoon of grease if desired.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and reserved bacon grease (if using) until emulsified.
  6. Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooled kale chips, apple slices, and crumbled bacon.
  8. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure kale is completely dry before baking to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Dress the salad immediately before serving to maintain crispiness. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika to the dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, maple vinaigrette, fall recipe, healthy side dish, crispy kale, bacon salad, quick dinner

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-harvest-apple-kale-salad-with-maple-vinaigrette-easy-fall-recipe/