A delicious, colorful, and nutritious salad made with fresh kale, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect as a healthy lunch, side dish, or light dinner!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh kale, washed and chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kale
Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Massage the Kale
Place the kale in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and gently massage the kale with your hands for 2–3 minutes. This makes the kale softer and easier to eat.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the kale.
Step 5: Add Feta
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nut Information
Contains tree nuts: Walnuts.
Walnuts can be replaced with:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Roasted chickpeas
Allergy Warning: If you have a nut allergy, avoid walnuts and check all packaged ingredients for possible cross-contamination.
Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 9g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
Q: Can I use another type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Goat cheese, parmesan, or mozzarella can be used instead of feta.
Q: How can I make it vegan?
A: Use a plant-based feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.
Q: Can I make this salad without nuts?
A: Yes! Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Q: How long does this salad last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: Is kale healthy?
A: Yes! Kale is a nutritious leafy green and provides fiber and several important vitamins and minerals.