![['Close-up view of a vibrant Kale Apple Salad with colorful ingredients.', 'Side view of a Kale Apple Salad featuring matchstick apples and pumpkin seeds.', 'Freshly made Kale Apple Salad showcasing shredded kale and diced red onion.', 'Appetizing Kale Apple Salad with a mix of green and red hues from apples and toppings.']](https://smarthealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/u6426281249_close_up_photo_side_view_from_reddit._taken_with__43ef9332-d673-49d9-9f8f-82b871cdd3d4_0.webp)
Kale Apple Salad
A vibrant and nutritious kale salad topped with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh apples, and a tangy balsamic dressing, perfect for a healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/2 cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds ((pecans or walnuts work too))
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 cups shredded curly kale ((Note 1))
- 1 medium apple ((we used honey crisp, cut into thin matchsticks))
- 2 small dates ((pitted and cut into slivers))
- 1/2 small red onion ((diced))
- 1/3 cup shaved parmesan or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste Kosher salt and pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Toss pumpkin seeds with 1 tbsp olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt; bake 10-12 mins, stirring halfway.
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make dressing. Toss kale with half of the dressing and let sit 5-10 mins.
- Once pumpkin seeds are roasted, add them to the salad with apples, dates, red onion, and cheese. Drizzle with remaining dressing and toss. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crunch, toast the pumpkin seeds longer or add additional nuts.