Cranberry And Kale Salad

This cranberry and kale salad is full of fall flavors, and is a  delicious addition to any autumn meal. Tuscan kale is tossed with orange slices, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, avocado and feta cheese then tossed with a tangy dressing.

If you think you don’t like kale salad, you might just not have tasted it when it’s been prepared properly. A massaged kale salad is the only way to really get good results. Kale on its own has tougher leaves than other leafy greens or spinach. (This post was originally August 29th, 2011)

Ingredients for kale cranberry salad

Kale, like spinach will lose some of its volume when it’s massaged. This recipe makes about 6 small side portions.

• 1 head raw kale, (about 1 pound or about 6 cups)
• dried sweet cranberries
• red onion
• oranges peeled and separated into wedges. (Cara Cara, navel or blood oranges) 
• feta cheese, crumbled
• pumpkin seeds, toasted
• avocado

Simple dressing ingredients

• Juice of one orange, about 1/4 cup
• 1 clove garlic
•  Dijon mustard
• honey
• olive oil
• kosher salt and pepper to taste

How to make a massaged kale salad

Wash kale and remove any large, tough ribs. A good kale salad will be massaged before adding any ingredients. Don’t skip that step!

• Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil over kale and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Using clean hands, massage the kale for a few minutes to break up the tough fibers.

• Make the vinaigrette by whisking the the garlic, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle the remaining olive oil while whisking. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper. You can also place all the ingredients in a mason jar and shake it or refrigerate until ready to use.

• Add dried cranberries, orange slices, red onion slices, feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and half the dressing, Gently toss salad to coat with dressing.

• If you want to make the salad ahead of time, store in the fridge in an airtight container. Add diced avocado just before serving. 

• Lastly, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, adding more dressing if necessary. Store any remaining salad dressing in a small jar in the fridge.

Types of kale

Lacinato kale is often referred to as dinosaur kale, black or Tuscan kale is dark green with more tender leaves than common curly kale.

Substitutions and additions

• Substitute the oranges and cranberries for diced apple or mango cubes.
• Switch the honey for maple syrup.
• Pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds, or pecans can be exchanged for the pumpkin seeds.
• Add sliced or cubed chicken for extra protein and a healthy lunch option.
• Creamy goat cheese or crumbled gorgonzola cheese would be delicious instead of feta.

Looking for more side dishes for your holiday meal?

​Starchy side dishes

Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice

Classic Cornbread Dressing

Sweet Potato Gratin

Vegetable side dishes

Simple Sauteed Veggies 

Delicata Squash with Sage

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Pepper and Parmesan

​Lawry’s Cream Spinach

Braised Swedish Red Cabbage

Fall Salads

Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese and Avocado

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans

Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing