Winter Kale Cranberries Seeds (Printable)
Nutrient-packed kale with cranberries, seeds, and citrus dressing for a bright, easy winter dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad
01 - 1 large bunch kale (about 7 oz), stems removed, leaves finely chopped
02 - 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
05 - 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
06 - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 tbsp orange juice
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until softened and darkened.
02 - Add apple slices, red onion, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese (if using) into the bowl with the kale.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Kale becomes silky and sweet when you massage it, not at all the tough green thing you might remember from before.
- The contrast of chewy cranberries, crunchy seeds, and crisp apple keeps every bite interesting.
- Ready in 15 minutes, no cooking required, perfect for nights when the kitchen feels too warm.
- It actually tastes better after sitting a few minutes, so you can prep it ahead.
02 -
- Don't skip the kale massage—it's not a fancy step, it's essential and transforms the entire texture of the salad.
- Fresh lemon and orange juice make a real difference; the acidity and brightness are what make this dressing sing instead of just sitting flat.
03 -
- Buy your kale a day or two before you plan to make this—slightly older kale is actually more tender and less bitter than pristine bunches.
- Toast your seeds lightly in a dry pan for two minutes before adding them if you have the time; it deepens their flavor and makes them taste intentional.