Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese

Total Time: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 very large bunch of kale
• 1 medium Honeycrisp apple
• 1 medium bulb of fennel
• 3 ounces chilled goat cheese, crumbled (to yield about 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or chopped pecans

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Several twists of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kale: Remove the tough ribs from the kale using a chef’s knife and discard them. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the kale and massage the leaves gently until they darken in color and become fragrant.
2. Toast the Pepitas: In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pepitas, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and make popping noises, about 3 to 6 minutes. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl to cool.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pepitas to the salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, using just enough to lightly coat the kale (you may have some dressing left over). Toss everything together thoroughly, and let the salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

Why we Recommend This Recipe:

1. Rich in Nutrients:
   The combination of kale, apple, fennel, pumpkin seeds and goat cheese provides a well-rounded mix of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The recipe includes vitamin K (from kale) and protein (from pumpkin seeds and goat cheese).
2. Healthy Fats:
   The inclusion of olive oil and pumpkin seeds adds heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
3. Anti-inflammatories:
   Ingredients like lemon juice, apple, kale, fennel and lemon zest have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid digestion and support the immune system.

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it ideal for anyone looking to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Recipe provided by Cookie and Kate