Name: Fresh Kale Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 13, 2026

This fresh kale salad is a healthy, simple, and incredibly tasty winter salad featuring massaged raw kale tossed with a zesty honey‑mustard dressing, crunchy roasted nuts, and crisp apple slices — making it a perfect side dish (or even a main when paired with protein) that’s full of texture and flavor.

From the Cook

1/5

Fresh Kale Salad

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningTreenuts and 3 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10 minutes.

Place all dressing ingredients in a screw-top jar, seal, and shake vigorously until combined. Season to taste with more mustard (for more spice), honey (for more sweetness), or lemon juice (for more acidity).

Remove the ribs and stems from the kale leaves and wash them thoroughly, then spin them dry if possible. Place the kale and dressing in a large bowl and massage the kale vigorously with your hands for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the leaves are nice and soft and dark green.

Roughly chop the nuts and cut the apple into thin strips or slices. Add both to the kale, stir the salad well, and then serve.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Massage Your Kale 💚
Spend 2-3 minutes massaging the raw kale with your hands to break down the tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest while improving its texture.
Dress in Advance 🥗
Allow the dressed kale salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, which helps the kale absorb the dressing and softens the leaves without becoming soggy.
Toasting Nuts Technique 🥜
Always toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance their natural oils and develop a deeper, more complex nutty flavor before adding to the salad.
Dressing Emulsion Secret 🍯
Whisk the honey-mustard dressing ingredients vigorously or use a small blender to create a stable emulsion that will coat the kale leaves more evenly and prevent separation.
Apple Freshness Trick 🍎
Cut apple slices just before serving and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their crisp, fresh texture in the salad.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.