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Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pistachios

Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pistachios
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Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pistachios is a vibrant, crunchy, and nutrient-packed salad featuring fresh kale, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, dressed with a bright and slightly sweet lemon-honey vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a satisfying vegetarian main, combining a balance of flavors and textures that nourish and delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 4 cups fresh kale, washed, chopped, and massaged
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup shelled pistachios (lightly toasted if desired)

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil until it becomes tender and slightly wilted, which will soften the leaves and reduce bitterness.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.
  3. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the massaged kale with the dried cranberries and pistachios. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Final Touches: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice or salt as needed to balance and brighten the flavors. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Massage kale to soften its texture and make it more enjoyable to eat.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum brightness.
  • Lightly toast pistachios for 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Let the salad rest a few minutes after tossing to allow the flavors to combine and kale to soften further.
  • Adjust the sweetness and acidity balance in the dressing to suit your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, cranberries, pistachios, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free, superfood salad, easy salad, plant-based

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/kale-salad-with-cranberries-and-pistachios/