Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds

Air fried apples, hearty kale, and candied almonds come together in this irresistible apple salad recipe. It's a refreshing twist on a classic dish.

Table of Contents

• Reasons to Love
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Tips
• Serving suggestions
• Storage
• FAQs
• Related Recipes

Fresh Tuscan kale topped with sweet air fryer apples and candied almonds drizzled in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette is sure to be a hit. A little bit of sweetness, saltiness and crunch all combined to make a flavorful salad you're sure to enjoy.

The tart and tangy taste of apple cider vinegar and the slightly salty and tangy feta cheese complement the sweeter taste of the apples and almonds. You'll savor a blend of complex flavors with each forkful of the ingredients.

Ingredients

This apple salad comes together with a few ingredients and a simple vinaigrette to enjoy. It's made with items you probably have in your pantry and can easily be found at the grocery store.

Here's what you'll need to make the salad:

• Air fryer apples - These apples are quick to make up and best served warm on top of salad.
• Tuscan kale - Fresh is going to be the best and has a milder flavor.
• Red onion - You will need a small one that is easy to slice.
• Air Fryer Candied Almonds - A sweet crunch to the salad that can be made in the air fryer or oven.
• Feta - Small crumbled cheese to top the salad.
• Sweetened Dried Cranberries - Add an extra touch of sweetness to the salad.

These are the items needed for the dressing:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - One of the base ingredients to our dressing. It has a slightly tangy flavor.
• Honey - The sweetness will balance out the tanginess of the acv.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Another base ingredient that helps bring out the flavors.
• Lemon juice - Adds a splash of zesty flavor.
• Seasonings - We will use garlic powder, salt and pepper to help bring out these wonderful flavors in the dressing.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

This apple salad is easy to put together with minimal prep. It can be on your dinner table in no time.

Hint: Toss the vinaigrette into the salad and let it sit for a little while before serving. This simple step allows the kale to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the dressing.

Variations

You can easily change up the recipe to customize the salad. Here are a few ideas you can try:

• Use different cheeses. Instead of feta, try gorgonzola, blue cheese, or goat cheese. All these cheeses compliment this apple salad well.
• Add protein. Grilled chicken, grilled steak, sliced turkey, shrimp, or tofu make great additions if you want to give this salad a protein boost.
• Add more crunch. Sunflower seeds, toasted pecans, pine nuts, walnuts or these homemade baked tortilla strips can all be used in place or as an addition to the candied almonds.
• Use different variety of kale. If you can't find Tuscan kale, fresh curly kale or baby kale can be an alternative.
• Change up the berries. Raisins, craisins and even sliced grapes or strawberries can be used in place of dried cranberries.
• Switch up the dressing. A red wine vinegar-based dressing will allow for a sweeter salad. A balsamic vinegar-based dressing will be a little bolder and tarter.

Another topping idea for the salad is air fryer strawberries. They would add a sweet flavor and crisp texture.

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Tips

• Use the freshest of ingredients particularly the kale. If you can't find fresh Tuscan kale, fresh curly kale and baby kale may be alternatives. However, Tuscan kale is preferred. Tuscan kale has a milder flavor, and the stems are softer than curly kale.
• Air Fryer Apples are best served warm on top of the salad. These tender sweet apples are perfect right out of the air fryer.
• Add dressing right before serving. This allows the kale to stay fresh, not wilt or get soggy.

Serving suggestions

This apple salad recipe goes well with a variety of soups and sandwiches. Consider pairing it with an Air Fryer Tuna Melt or this Panera Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt to help round out the meal.

If you want to add an additional serving of vegetables to your lunch or dinner, try this Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup alongside the salad. You can also serve the salad as a side dish to meaty dish like pan-fried pork chops.

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Storage

To store any leftovers, it's essential to separate the dressing from the rest of the salad. This will prevent soggy, wilted kale.

Use separate airtight containers or resealable bags for the kale, apples and almonds, dressing and remaining ingredients. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container storing the kale to help absorb excess moisture, further extending freshness. All salad ingredients should be consumed within 1-2 days for best tasting.

FAQs

Can I make the salad ahead?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure to warm up the air fryer apples and top the salad with dressing right before serving. The apples are best served warmed. The dressing is best served right before enjoying the salad to preserve freshness.

What is the best dressing for this salad?

The homemade apple cider vinaigrette goes perfectly with the crisp apples and other ingredients. The tangy taste of the dressing boosts loads of mouthwatering flavors throughout the whole salad.

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Related Recipes

Want to try more delicious salad recipes? Here are a few favorites:

• Blueberry strawberry salad has a fresh sweet berry flavor.
• Chopped Greek salad is a classic that comes together quickly.
• Best salmon salad is a healthy and flavorful dish for a light meal.
• Santa Fe salad is a hearty and filling meal idea for lunch or dinner.
• Broccoli slaw salad is a crunchy alternative to coleslaw.

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