Hi friends! Today, I’m bringing you a fresh and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion Pear Kale Salad! Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side for your iftar table during Ramadan or just a quick and healthy meal for a busy day, this salad is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with vibrant colors, amazing textures, and a simple homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Let’s dive in!
Method
Preparing the Dressing
To begin, take a small bowl and combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Using a whisk, stir the ingredients thoroughly until they emulsify into a smooth and well-blended dressing. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while you move on to the next steps.
Preparing the Kale
Start by ensuring your kale is washed, de-stemmed, and torn into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the kale and, using clean hands, gently massage the leaves for about 2 minutes. This step helps break down the toughness of the kale, making it softer and more enjoyable to eat. You’ll notice the leaves darken slightly and become more tender as you work them.
Assembling the Salad
Once the kale has been properly massaged and has absorbed the dressing, it’s time to assemble the salad. Begin by layering the sliced Honeycrisp apple and U.S. Bartlett pear over the kale. Next, sprinkle the dried cranberries, pecans, and crumbled feta cheese evenly across the bowl. Finally, top the salad with the pumpkin seeds for an added crunch. If you prefer a more blended texture, lightly toss the ingredients together using salad tongs.
Serving the Salad
Now that your pear kale salad is fully assembled, it’s time to enjoy it! You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp bite, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend even further. If you prefer, drizzle a little extra dressing on top just before serving to enhance the taste.
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Salad tongs or clean hands
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pear Kale Salad Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
Salad Ingredients
4 cups kale (washed, de-stemmed & torn)
1 Honeycrisp apple (sliced) [Also try U.S. Cosmic Crisp or Granny Smith]
1 U.S. Bartlett pear (sliced)
½ cup U.S. cranberries
½ cup U.S. pecans
½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Dressing Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (minced)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Directions
- Preparing the Dressing: Start by making the delicious homemade dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Set it aside while you prepare the salad.
- Preparing the Kale: Take your washed, de-stemmed, and torn kale and place it in a large mixing bowl. Kale can sometimes be a little tough, so to make it tender and flavorful, pour the dressing over the kale and use clean hands to massage the leaves. Gently rub the kale for about 2 minutes until it softens and absorbs the dressing.
- Assembling the Salad: Once the kale is well-massaged, it’s time to add the toppings! Arrange the apple slices, pear slices, cranberries, pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds over the kale. Lightly toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Serving the Salad: Your pear kale salad is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend together even more. If you’d like, you can drizzle a little extra dressing on top before serving.
Notes
- When massaging the kale, don’t overdo it 2 minutes is enough to soften it without making it mushy.
- Slice the apples and pears just before serving to prevent them from browning. You can also toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh.
- If making the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving to keep the kale crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a warm lentil soup. It’s perfect for Ramadan iftar, a quick weekday meal, or even as a festive dish for gatherings. Pair it with a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a warm cup of tea for a refreshing experience.
Fun Fact
Did you know that kale is considered a superfood? It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest greens you can eat. Plus, pears add natural sweetness and fiber, making this salad both tasty and nutritious!
Conclusion
I hope you love this Pear Kale Salad as much as I do! It’s fresh, crunchy, and packed with amazing flavors that make it a wonderful addition to any meal. Try it out and let me know what you think happy cooking!
